Gov. Paul LePage (from Maine governor’s official website)
On July 6, Maine Gov. Paul LePage became the first governor to veto legislation banning conversion therapy in his state.
So far, 14 states — Connecticut, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington — and Washington, D.C. and cities in Arizona, Florida, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have banned the practice.
Conversion therapy aims to change someone’s sexual orientation, but all studies show it not only doesn’t work but causes other severe psychological problems. The American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association and American Medical Association all condemn the practice.
LePage called the bill “bad public policy” that regulated how professionals should practice.
Maine’s Press Herald newspaper said gaining the votes to override the veto will be difficult.
GLAD Executive Director Janson Wu said, “Today’s heartless and dangerous action by Gov. LePage leaves Maine’s youth at risk.There is a clear consensus in the professional medical and mental health community about the serious harms conversion therapy causes LGBTQ youth. Gov. LePage had an opportunity to protect Maine youth from these harms, and to ensure parents are not misled into subjecting their children to an unsafe and ineffective so-called ‘treatment.’ Instead, the governor has sent a signal that the risk of hurting LGBTQ youth is acceptable.”
“Government’s greatest responsibility is to protect its most vulnerable citizens, especially minors who may not be able to protect themselves,” said Matt Moonen, executive director of EqualityMaine. “Gov. LePage had the opportunity, in one of his final acts as governor, to make Maine a safer place for LGBTQ youth. Unfortunately, he chose petty politics over protecting kids.”
— David Taffet
