Puerto Rico, a US territory, is making news with the advancement of LGBTQIA human rights.
Gov. Ricardo Rosselló issued an executive order that bans gay “conversion therapy” for LGBTQIA youth, a move that is expected to – literally – save lives.
“Today we take a step forward to raise awareness among the people about this type of practice that causes pain and suffering,” Rosselló said in a statement. “Love and respect should always prevail without distinction of sexual orientation, race, color or religion.”
The unscientific practice of gay “conversion therapy” has fallen under intense scrutiny particularly in recent years for the abusive nature of a practice that attempts to change the sexuality of – particularly young – people through repressive and sometimes even violent means. The American Psychological Association (APA), among many organizations, publicly discredited the “discrimination, prejudice and immoral treatment” of gay “conversion therapy” all the way back in 2000.
“As a father, as a scientist and as the governor for everyone in Puerto Rico, I firmly believe that the idea that there are people in our society who need treatment because of their gender identity or whom they love is not only absurd, it is harmful to so many children and young adults who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” Rosselló added in a statement.
Rosselló’s move is also worth highlighting because his own political party blocked a bill that would have banned conversion therapy, leading to him issuing this executive order.
