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House Bill 580
(Youth Mental Health Protection Act)
related to Suicide Prevention

July 6, 2020

The bill of most importance to the GA Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in the Georgia General Assembly’s 2020 Session was the “Youth Mental Health Protection Act”  (HB 580). The bill did not pass out of the House before Crossover Day in March and so could not be passed during the 2020 session. However, the GA Chapter will advocate for the bill again before and during the 2021 session (January-March, 2021).

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Wilson of Brookhaven, seeks to prohibit “conversion therapy” with a person under 18 years of age. “Conversion therapy” is defined in the bill as “any practice or treatment that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity . . .” 

A 2018 study1 found that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth who experience attempts by their parents or others to change their sexual orientation — often called “conversion therapy,” report higher levels of depression and suicidal behavior, lower levels of self-esteem, social support, and life satisfaction, as well as lower levels of education and income in young adulthood.

According to the GA Chapter of AFSP major medical associations opposing conversion therapy include the following:

  • American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
  • American Counseling Association
  • American Medical Association
  • American Psychiatric Association
  • American Psychological Association
  • American School Counselor Association
  • National Association of Social Workers

For more information about HB 580 please contact Roland Behm with the GA Chapter of AFSP at roland.behm@gmail.com.

1.Caitlin Ryan, Russell B. Toomey, Rafael M. Diaz & Stephen T. Russell (2020) Parent-Initiated Sexual Orientation Change Efforts With LGBT Adolescents: Implications for Young Adult Mental Health and Adjustment, Journal of Homosexuality, 67:2, 159-173, DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2018.1538407

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