A bill to ban so-called gay conversion therapy for minors received initial approval in the Colorado House Monday.
A similar effort died last year in the Republican-led Senate. Republicans say it’s not the government’s role to dictate what parents think is best for their kids.
But Democrats argue therapy practices that attempt to change a young person’s sexuality leave lasting harm – including suicide in some cases.
“I will bring this bill as many times as necessary to really make sure we protect the children of Colorado,” said bill sponsor Rep. Paul Rosenthal, D-Denver.
Four other states and the District of Columbia ban the therapy.
Editor's note: Due to an editing error, an earlier version of the headline misstated the bill's progress through the state House. The bill had received initial approval.
