Two bills that could define the use of controversial “conversion” therapy techniques said to help gays and lesbians overcome their same-sex attraction potentially are headed for a showdown in the Arizona Legislature.
In the process, some people who have gone through the therapy are lining up behind a bill that could allow conversion therapy practitioners to be sanctioned if they provide the practice to anyone under age 18.
“People need to learn the facts about conversion therapy and the real harm it has on people,” said Justin Traasdahl, a Salt Lake City resident who grew up in Arizona and went through the therapy as a teen in the state. “I’m 32 years old and still dealing with the effects of my years of trying to change part of my core identity. Imagine yourself being in therapy as a child and being told your identity is evil and it is to be changed, even though science has proved it can’t be changed.”
