White House Announces President Obama Will Support Banning "Ex-Gay" Therapy For Minors

In a response to a petition begun in the aftermath of 17 year-old transgender Leelah Alcorn's suicide, the White House has announced tonight that President Obama supports efforts to ban the use of so-called "conversion therapy" or "reparative therapy" for minors. Leelah left behind a suicide note describing how her parents forced her into what has become known as "conversion" torture.

This sad incident brought national attention to the practice of "conversion" or "reparative" therapy, which can do intense damage to LGBT folks.

In a statement that was to be posted on Wednesday evening alongside a WhiteHouse.gov petition begun in honor of Ms. Alcorn, Mr. Obama condemned the psychiatric practice, sometimes called “conversion” or “reparative” therapy, which is supported by some socially conservative organizations and religious doctors. The petition has received more than 120,000 signatures in three months.

“We share your concern about its potentially devastating effects on the lives of transgender as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual and queer youth,” the statement, written by Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to Mr. Obama, says, according to a copy obtained by The New York Times. “As part of our dedication to protecting America’s youth, this administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors.”

In an interview on Wednesday, Ms. Jarrett said Mr. Obama was moved by the story of Ms. Alcorn’s suicide. But she said the problem went far beyond her.

“It was tragic, but I will tell you, unfortunately she has a lot of company,” Ms. Jarrett said. “It’s not the story of one young person. It is the story of countless young people who have been subjected to this.”

Bolding is mine.

The article goes on to say that while President Obama isn't prepared to call for a federal law against "ex-gay" therapy (although he's open to the idea), he will support banning the practice at state levels as has been done in California, New Jersey and the District of Columbia.