GENDA bill, 'gay cure' ban both die in Senate
By Seamus Lyman
As the scheduled legislative session came to a close, a bill banning conversion therapy to reverse the sexual orientation of teenagers, failed in the Senate.
Conversion therapy is the practice of changing one's sexual orientation and is typically practiced on people who are attracted to the same sex. The form of therapy is highly controversial and laws banning it have been passed in New Jersey and California. On top of banning the practice of the therapy on minors, the bill before the New York state Legislature would create a fine of up to $10,000 and a possible censure or revocation of license if a licensed mental health professional were to use the therapy on a minor.
The bill passed the Assembly on June 16 with only 28 nay votes. The Senate sponsor, Brad Hoylman, D-Greenwich Village, released a statement blaming Senate leadership for the failure of the bill.
http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-06-24-88387.113122-GENDA-bill-gay-cure-ban-both-die-in-Senate.html