Conversion Therapy Bill Hearing on Valentine’s Day (… of All Days)

By February 10, 2018Maine

Do you want Maine to be able to stop licensed professionals from counseling and using reparative therapy on children who struggle with their sexual identity?

L.D. #912, “An Act To Clarify the Scope of Practice of Certain Licensed Professionals Regarding Conversion Therapy,” is a dangerous bill that effects those under the age of 18.  Last September, the American College of Pediatricians revealed that as many as 88% of girls and 98% of boys will naturally outgrow any gender confusion by the end of puberty.  Prohibiting conversion therapy could trap them in a false identity that most would have naturally grown out of.  This bill is a threat to parental rights, shutting down every option other than affirming therapy.  Parents, not government officials, should guide their children.

This bill is set to be heard on Wednesday, February 14, before the Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development.  I will be testifying in opposition to this bill.

Take Action:

  • Please contact the committee members before February 14. Ask them to oppose L.D. #912. Let them know that this is dangerous for children and an affront to parental rights.  Be sure to let them know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Maine. Committee members and e-mail addresses are listed below.
  • Make plans to attend the hearing this Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, at 10:00 a.m., in the Cross Office Building, Room 208.
  • Please write a testimony opposing L.D. #912. If you would like to present your testimony at the hearing, give me a call and I will be happy to assist you. If you cannot attend the hearing or speak to the committee, please email your testimony to the committee clerk, Diane Steward, and ask her to distribute a copy to each member on the committee.
  • Share this information with your friends, neighbors, and family and ask them to do the same.

Click here to read and track the bill.

Members of the Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development:

Sen. Chair, Amy Volk Amy.Volk@legislature.maine.gov

Sen. Shenna Bellows Shenna.Bellows@legislature.maine.gov

Sen. Brian Langley Brian.Langley@legislature.maine.gov

House Chair, Rep. Ryan Fecteau Fyan.Fecteau@legislature.maine.gov

Rep. Susan Austin Sue.Austin@legislature.maine.gov
Rep. Dillon Bates Dillon.Bates@legislature.maine.gov
Rep. Donna Doore Donna.Doore@legislature.maine.gov
Rep. James Handy James.Handy@legislature.maine.gov
Rep. Lawrence Lockman Lawrence.Lockman@legislature.maine.gov
Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio Marie.Mastraccio@legislature.maine.gov
Rep. Joel Stetkis Joel.Stetkis@legislature.maine.gov
Rep. Michael Sylvester Michael.Sylvester@legislature.maine.gov
Rep. Karen Vachon Karen.Vachon@legislature.maine.gov

“If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?” – Proverbs 24:10-12

 Please pray with me: “Dear Father, please touch the hearts of those on the committee to do what is best for the children of Maine.  Please thwart the plans of those who support this bill so that it does not pass out of committee.  In Jesus’ Name,  Amen”

Penny Morrell
State Director
CWA of Maine
(207) 465-6015
director@maine.cwfa.org
me.cwfa.org