Statement from Governor Hassan on Committee of Conference Failure to Ban "Conversion Therapy"

Press Release

Governor Maggie Hassan issued the following statement today after legislators failed to reach an agreement in Committee of Conference on House Bill 1661, relative to conversion therapy seeking to change a person's sexual orientation:

"I am extremely disappointed that the committee of conference members failed to reach an agreement on this common-sense legislation that would have banned the harmful and scientifically unsound practice of conversion therapy on minors. Failing to pass this legislation, which had overwhelming support from both parties, further advances the false premise that LGBT individuals need to be cured.

"Given New Hampshire's history of working to fully include and protect the rights of all of our citizens, it is disappointing that legislators failed to continue the progress we have made over the years by agreeing on this common-sense measure. We must continue working to send the message to our young people that they can be who they are, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and that they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I urge the committee members to come back to the table before the scheduling deadline in hopes of reaching an agreement on legislation to ban conversion therapy, a measure that has received bipartisan support in both chambers."

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