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By Tim Fitzsimons and the Associated Press
Therapy that seeks to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of minors is now illegal in Colorado. Governor Jared Polis, the first man to be elected governor of the United States to be homosexual, officially promulgated the ban on Friday.
"Colorado has joined a growing list of states that have banned conversion therapy.It is a horrible practice that has long been widely discredited by health and mental health professionals and that has left many victims for life, "Polis said in a statement. at NBC News. "Today, Colorado has taken a big step forward in recognizing our diversity as a force.These bills truly underline the idea that Colorado is a state where everyone can be who he is and live life that he wishes. "
Colorado is now the 18th US state – and the fourth this year – to ban this controversial practice. Just this week, the governor of Maine signed a ban.
Research shows that so-called conversion therapy, which treats being gay or transgender as a mental illness, increases the risk of suicide, addiction and depression among adolescents. A long list of health associations, including the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association, has spoken out against this practice, also known as "restorative therapy" or "ex-gay therapy".
In the statement shared with NBC News, Polis said he was thrilled to launch LGBTQ pride month in June, outlawing what he called a "tortuous practice" harming children.
Polis also signed on Friday a bill making it much easier for transgender Coloradans to update the sex of their birth certificates, IDs and driver's license.
Daniel Ramos, executive director of One Colorado, a group of LGBTQ rights advocates across the state, applauded the "strong bipartisan support" that both bills received, which " further demonstrates that LGBTQ equality should be a non-partisan issue. "
"Colorado will continue to make history with our country's first openly gay governor, Jared Polis – to enact the law to promote equality, to send a strong message that Colorado is a State open to all, "continued Ramos.
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