New Mexico governor signs bill banning gay conversion therapy for minors

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez speaking to the media during her visit at the Whitewater-Baldy Fire Incident Command Post. | Wikimedia Commons/Gila National Forest

New Mexico became the latest state to outlaw gay conversion therapy for minors after a bill banning the practice was signed into law by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.

SB121, proposed by LGBT rights campaigner and senator Jacob Candelaria, was passed by the Democratic-controlled New Mexico legislature last month.

Martinez has not been shy about exercising her veto power, but she signed the legislation on Friday, saying it would be in the best interests of children. She cited the assessment of the American Psychological Association that the therapy could lead to "depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, self-hatred, substance abuse, and suicide."

She also dismissed the assertions of the opponents of the measure that it could have an impact on religious organizations, Towleroad reported.

Under the new law, therapists caught using discredit methods to change a minor's sexual orientation and identity could lose their licenses.

"Today's historic action by Governor Martinez confirms that our shared commitment to protecting all children from abuse transcends party labels and ideological differences," Candelaria stated, according to Pink News.

"In New Mexico, we value and celebrate every child for who they are. I want to thank Governor Martinez for having the courage to stand up for the simple truth that every LGBTQ kid in New Mexico is born perfect," he added.

Candelaria had previously described conversion therapy as a "dangerous practice" and called those who provide such therapy as "snake oil peddlers."

Republican House of Representatives member David Gallegos argued that the legislation deprived the youth of the choice to undergo the therapy.

"If some are willing and wanting to change, why should the state take away their right to get help?" Gallego asked during the hours-long debate in the New Mexico House.

Proponents of sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) therapy have claimed that the practice have been misrepresented by critics and the media.

In an op-ed for The Christian Post in March, Christopher Doyle, an ex-gay licensed clinical professional counselor, said that gay activists have coined the term "gay conversion therapy" to describe the practice of changing a client from gay to straight against their will.

However, he noted that he has worked with numerous parents and teenagers struggling with sexual and gender identity, but he has never allowed a parent to force their child to change.

Gay conversion therapy is currently banned in California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington DC.

Martinez became the third Republican governor to ban the practice after New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner.