Washington state moves to outlaw gay conversion therapy

The Washington state Legislature has passed a bill that bans licensed health-care providers from attempting to alter the sexual orientation of minors, according to King 5 News.

The bill, which the Senate passed in a 33-16 vote on Saturday, would place sanctions on licensed therapists who perform the therapy on any patient under the age of 18, deeming it “unprofessional conduct,” according to the news outlet.

The bill is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee (D).

{mosads} Health-care providers could face fines, suspension or the revocation of their professional licenses, King 5 News reported.

The House also added nonlicensed counselors into the bill, banning anyone operating for a religious organization, religious denomination or church, the news outlet reported.

Other states have implemented similar bans. In 2015, the Supreme Court decided not to consider the ban in New Jersey.