Ban On ‘Gay Conversion Therapy’ Could Make Progress In Olympia This Year
Listen
A bill to ban the controversial practice of trying to change the sexual orientation of LGBTQ people is making its way through the Washington Senate.
The bill considers so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for people under 18 “unprofessional conduct” for health care providers.
Carey Morris from Equal Rights Washington testified in favor of the bill Thursday. She said its passage would send a strong message to LGBTQ youth.
“Our educated, knowledgeable, experienced professionals have told us, this is a step in protecting kids in Washington,” Morris said. “And I think it’s a really important step, they’re listening. And we can say we hear you, we see you, we think you’re worthy. And more importantly we shouldn’t have regrets because we know this is the right thing to do.”
But some therapists testified the ban is unnecessary, hard to enforce, and could interfere with their practices.
Past efforts to ban conversion therapy have died in the Republican-controlled Senate. But this year Democrats are in control of both houses.
Seattle passed a ban on gay conversion therapy last year through a unanimous vote in the city council.
Related Stories:
Unpacked: Giving spiritual meaning to food during Lent
For Lent this year, the Rev. Rene’ Devantier of Spokane’s Fowler United Methodist Church uses real food and drink elements. (Credit: Cody Wendt / FāVS News) Listen (Runtime 1:47) Read
United Farms Workers call for boycott of Windmill Farms products at Tacoma rally
People traveled from across Washington state to rally outside of a Tacoma Safeway store in support of farm workers Monday afternoon.
The United Farm Workers and their supporters are calling on Windmill Farms in Sunnyside to recognize the unionization efforts and give workers a contract. The union said workers have been trying to get recognition for two years.
Flatt named in 2025 WSU Tri-Cities Women of Distinction class
Courtney Flatt, Northwest Public Broadcasting’s senior environment and energy correspondent. (Credit: Washington State University Tri-Cities) Read Courtney Flatt, Northwest Public Broadcasting’s senior environment and energy correspondent, was named a Woman
