1. Fall 2015 SCSL
A Bill1
Presented by Rachel Miga2
Clemson University3
4
Purpose: To place a ban on conversion therapy and all sexual orientation or gender identity5
change efforts by a therapist or mental health provider.6
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Whereas, The American Psychological Association has recognized that being gay, lesbian,8
bisexual, or transgender is not a disease, disorder, illness, or defect; and,9
10
Whereas, The American Psychological Association removed homosexuality and Gender11
Identity Disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders in the12
years 1973 and 2013, respectively; and,13
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Whereas, Such sexual orientation and gender identity conversion efforts pose major health15
risks to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people including anger, anxiety,16
confusion, depression, grief, guilt, hopelessness, deteriorated relationships with17
family, loss of social support, loss of faith, poor self-image, social isolation,18
intimacy difficulties, intrusive imagery, suicidal ideation, self-hatred, and sexual19
dysfunction, as stated in the American Psychological Association’s Resolution on20
Appropriate Affirmative Responses to Sexual Orientation Distress and Change21
Efforts22
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Therefore, Be it enacted by the South Carolina Student Legislature in regular session24
assembled the following:25
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Section I: Definitions:27
1) “Sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts,” (also know as28
“aversion therapy” or “conversion therapy”) is defined as any practices that seek29
to change any individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts30
to change behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual or31
romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex by a mental32
health provider.33
2) “Sexual orientation change efforts” do not include psychotherapies that34
a) provide social support, acceptance, the facilitation of a client’s coping,35
and identity development and exploration; or36
b) intervene to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual37
practices; or,38
c) do not seek to change sexual orientation.39
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Section II: Under no circumstances should a mental health provider provide any sexual41
orientation and gender identity efforts with a patient under 18 years old.42
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Section III: It is considered unprofessional conduct if a mental health provider attempts any44
sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts attempted on a patient under45

2. Fall 2015 SCSL
the age of 18 and shall result in the mental health provider being disciplined by46
the licensing entity.47
Section IV: This bill shall go into effect upon passage of the General Assembly and the48
signature of the governor.49