PROGRESS

Puerto Rico Governor Bans Gay Conversion Therapy for Minors

Gov. Ricardo Rosselló reportedly issued an executive order banning the practice after a similar bill was blocked by legislators.

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló issued an executive order banning the use of gay conversion therapy on minors on Wednesday, The Advocate reports. The order reportedly requires the government to issue regulations within 90 days of the order “restricting licensed health care facilities and workers from engaging in the practice.” Rosselló issued the order after legislators blocked a bill to ban the practice earlier this month. “As a father, as a scientist and as the governor for everyone in Puerto Rico, I firmly believe that the idea that there are people in our society who need treatment because of their gender identity or whom they love is not only absurd, it is harmful to so many children and young adults who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” Rosselló wrote in a press release last week, announcing his intention to issue the order. The U.S. territory is the latest to join 15 states barring the practice against minors.