End Conversion Therapy

I have served as a United Methodist Clergy person in Nebraska since 2007. In that time I have met individuals, deeply wounded by reparative or conversion therapy practices. They carry deep harm, emotional and spiritual trauma from the various therapies, counseling and camp experiences. 

To those church leaders who oppose this bill and support these practices, I urge you to re-consider. You are hurting people and driving them away from faith and spirituality, particularly Christianity. This harm is so deep that survivors of it carry trauma, even at entering a church that is actively seeking their wellbeing and inclusion. 

These therapies are not scientific. They are heterosexist. The American Psychological Association removed any notion of this from its Diagnostic Manuals long ago. 

These practices are the work of conservative Christian movements. While opponents of this bill may continue to preach what I would name as non-christian harmful narratives, they should not be able to create spaces with the guise of therapeutic authority. We as a community have a responsibility to care for one another. When we learn better, we can do better. 

Support LB 367.