Oregon Puts an End to Conversion Therapy for Youth
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Friday, May 22, 2015
Briauna Skye McKizzie, GoLocalPDX Contributor
"To the young people who question their identities, suffer from bullying, or struggle with what it means to come out, today is for you,” said Governor Brown.
Basic Rights Oregon has officially made the announcement that Oregon is banning conversion therapy for Youth.
Joining Governor Kate Brown, Basic Rights Oregon signed HB 2307, the Youth Mental Health Protection Act. This act bans conversion therapy for minors by mental health providers.
“There are many things our young people need, but breaking them down based on their sexual or gender identity is not one of them. In fact, it is inexcusable. Our young people deserve acceptance, support, and love. To the young people who question their identities, suffer from bullying, or struggle with what it means to come out, today is for you,” said Governor Brown.
Conversion therapy has been strongly associated with what Basic Rights Oregon calls “dangerous and discredited practices” focused on changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Recently, President Obama actively joined the fight to end conversion therapy after the shocking suicide of transgender teen Leelah Alcorn. Leelah Alcorn participated in conversion therapy prior to committing suicide.
In an effort to protect youth, Oregon joins California, New Jersey and Washington D.C. in its ban of conversion therapy for youth.
“The harms caused by conversion therapy are very real and we must do everything we possibly can as a state to prevent the loss of even one child. I commend Governor Brown and the Oregon Legislature for passing this bill,” said Jeana Frazzini, co-director of Basic Rights Oregon.
Related Slideshow: Basic Rights Oregon Celebrates Ignite
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Dr. Andrew and Amy Mendenhall, Buster Ross at Ignite at the Portland Art Museum.
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Mayor Charlie Hales and Governor John Kitzhaber at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Sam Adams, Ivan Gold and Dr. Stephen Baugh at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Tia Vanich, Gregory Gourdet and Robert Goman at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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OHSU Dr. Joseph Robertson, Mary Soterberg and Sam Adams at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Sam and Suzanne
Sam Adams and Suzanne Bonamici at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Maura Roche and Nick Fish at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Charles, Tina, Walter
Charles McGee, Tina Kotek and Walter Robinson at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Collin and Jeana
Collin McFayden and Jeana Frazzini at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Gov. John Kitzhaber
Gov. John Kitzhaber speaks at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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A table from Portland's Fire Department at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Amy and Erin
Amy and Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Erin Janssens at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Karol Collymore and Roey Thorpe at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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A sculpture in the Sunken Ballroom at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Misha Issak
Misha Isaak speaks on behalf of the lawyers who fought for the right to marry in Oregon at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Lisa Watson, Michelle DeCourcy, Doug Fish and Peter Shankey at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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John Halseth, Jules Bailey and Jeremy at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Crystal Lamb and Stephen Cassell at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Juan, Jeana and Collin
Juan Martinez, Jeana Frazzini and Collin McFayden at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Guests at Ignite
Byron Beck, Juan Martinez, Jeana Frazzini and Collin McFayden at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Juan, Vanessa and Jeana
Juan Martinez, Vanessa Morgan and Jeana Frazzini at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Diane and Deanna
Commissioner Diane McKeel and Boeing's Deanna Haley at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Rob Nosse
Rep. Rob Nosse at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Jake, Iaen and Jason
Jake Kindrachuk, Iaen Nylund and Jason Zidell at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Jon and Rob
Jon Isaacs and Rep. Rob Nosse at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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A giant dance party was featured at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Guests spell out "LOVE" at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Guests at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Brenden Butler, Kristen Steel and Samantha Swaim at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Dancing the night away at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Firefighters Gabe and Caleb at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Getting into the groove at Basic Rights "Ignite" at the Portland Art Museum.
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Andy, Amy and Buster
The Mayor and The Guv
Sam, Ivan and Stephen
Tia, Gregory and Robert
Joseph, Mary and Sam
Sam and Suzanne
Maura and Nick
Charles, Tina, Walter
Collin and Jeana
Gov. John Kitzhaber
Portland Fire
Amy and Erin
Karol and Roey
Portland Art Museum
Misha Issak
Guests at Ignite
John, Jules and Jeremy
Crystal and Stephen
Juan, Jeana and Collin
Guests at Ignite
Juan, Vanessa and Jeana
Diane and Deanna
Rob Nosse
Jake, Iaen and Jason
Jon and Rob
Dance Party
Love
Guests at Ignite
Brenden, Kristen and Sam
Dance, Dance, Dance
Gabe and Caleb
Dancers
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