State Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, is circulating a new bill that would prohibit licensed mental health service providers from persuading or counseling people under the age of 18 to change their sexual orientation, according to a press release Wednesday.
Risser proposed the legislation Wednesday, which would make suggesting to minors that they could change or control their sexual orientation with therapy or training a Class A misdemeanor.
Risser said in the statement sexual orientation change therapy is a “scam.”
“Gay conversion therapy promotes stigmas and prejudice,” Risser said in the statement. “This practice is unacceptable and should be forbidden.”
According to the release, legislators have proposed similar bills in Minnesota, Maine and New York. Also, similar bills have passed in California and New Jersey.
Risser is currently seeking co-sponsors for the bill, according to the release.
