BISMARCK — The North Dakota Senate is reviewing a bill that would allow social workers to offer conversion therapy to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Supporters of House File 1430 say the measure is intended to expand a social worker’s ability to treat clients. The bill has already passed the House.
Currently, licensed social workers in North Dakota are prohibited from providing conversion therapy. However, Alison Traynor, president of the state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, warns that research overwhelmingly shows the practice is harmful.
“Treatments which seek to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of youth have been shown to increase suicide risk and other negative health outcomes,” Traynor said.
The Trust Project
