Senator Hassan Cosponsors Bill to Ban Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ Americans

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) cosponsored bicameral legislation to ban for-profit conversion therapy, a practice based on debunked science that fraudulently seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. New Hampshire banned conversion therapy for minors in 2018, but Republican lawmakers in the state are currently seeking to reverse that ban and bring back this practice.

“Conversion therapy is dangerous and illegitimate, and Granite Staters and all Americans deserve to feel safe in their gender identity and sexual orientation without fear that they will be subjected to this horrible practice,” said Senator Hassan. “While New Hampshire banned conversion therapy in 2018, there are efforts at the state level to repeal this ban, which further underscores the urgency to pass into law our bill to help stop this practice nationwide.”

Senator Hassan is working to ensure the safety of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Senator Hassan joined her Senate colleagues in calling on the Biden administration to revise current guidance that has led to members of the LGBTQIA+ community being denied pension survivor benefits after losing their life partner. The Senator also joined colleagues in introducing the Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2021, legislation to address bullying and harassment, including cyberbullying, at colleges and universities around the country. In addition, Senator Hassan joined her colleagues last February in reintroducing the Equality Act to ban discrimination against LGBTQIA+ Americans by adding sexual orientation and gender identity to other protected classes, such as race or religion, into existing federal laws.

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