Gay conversion therapy ban clears Senate, heads to governor

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The Connecticut Senate has unanimously passed legislation barring paid health care providers from engaging in so-called gay conversion therapy to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity.

The bill, which previously passed the House, cleared the Senate on Wednesday. It now moves to Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who has said he'll sign it into law.

West Hartford Sen. Beth Bye, a Democrat, says conversion therapy has occurred in Connecticut and it is "a dangerous practice that relies on things like shame." She says it's particularly concerning with young people, who are more likely to commit suicide if their sexual orientation is rejected.

Groton Sen. Heather Somers, a Republican, says the practice is based on the "false assumption" there's something wrong with people who aren't heterosexual.

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Copyright Associated Press. The Gayly - 5/10/2017 @ 5:00 p.m. CST