PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 11, 2023
Contact: Eli Duffy
Communications & Development Manager
eduffy@glma.org
[Washington, DC] - GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality, the oldest and largest organization representing LGBTQ+ health professionals, commends the decision of the Supreme Court to decline a review of Tingley v. Ferguson and uphold the ban on so-called “conversion therapy” in Washington State.
GLMA has long held a strong position condemning the behavioral, psychological, and religious change efforts (also known as "reparative" or "conversion" therapies) that attempt to change sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. You can learn more about GLMA’s policies and position statements here.
The appeal challenged Washington State's law prohibiting licensed health care professionals from practicing sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts on minors. Change efforts have long been discredited and have been shown to cause immense harm. The Court's decision sends a strong message affirming the need to safeguard LGBTQ+ youth from this dangerous and ineffective practice.
“The Court’s decision is not only a win for LGBTQ+ youth, but a crucial moment affirming that the practices of health professionals should be guided by medical evidence, not political animus,” said Alex Sheldon, MA, GLMA Executive Director. “But our work to end this hateful practice is far from over. More than half of the country lacks complete legislative protections against so-called ‘conversion therapy,’leaving LGBTQ+ youth vulnerable to its harmful effects. Our fight to protect LGBTQ+ youth will continue until this practice is fully eradicated.”
"This decision upholds the existing regulatory framework prohibiting the harmful practices of sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts on minors, but also emphasizes the mandate for health professionals to base their treatments on evidence, respect, and understanding,” said Jesse Joad, MD, MS GLMA President. “It also substantiates the voice of the scientific community and reaffirms our responsibility to protect the wellbeing of all patients, particularly those from the LGBTQ+ community.”
GLMA remains committed to collaborating with partners, policymakers, and advocates nationwide to bring an end to the harmful and discriminatory practice of conversion therapy entirely.
About GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality
GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities and equality for LGBTQ+ health professionals in their work and learning environments. To achieve this mission, GLMA utilizes the scientific expertise of its diverse multidisciplinary membership to inform and drive advocacy, education, and research.