Mason Condemns U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Chiles v. Salazar

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court voted to reverse the ban on conversion therapy for minors in Colorado:

“I am thoroughly disappointed in the decision we saw from our country’s highest court this week. To use our First Amendment rights to justify a practice that is ripe with mental and emotional abuse is indicative of the backwards thought process of our federal government.

“The entire argument rests on the idea that members of the LGBTQ community are mentally  ill–an idea that has been globally rejected by medical professionals and associations. There is, however, concrete evidence that conversion therapy practices, especially for minors, increase mental illnesses and the risk of suicide. Not to mention the reports of physical abuse, violence, and degradation.

“In Illinois, we passed the Youth Mental Health Protection Act in 2015, banning conversion therapy. Ten years later, we continue to protect and defend the safety and the rights of the LGBTQ community. For young people who may be struggling with their identity, who may be directly affected by the Supreme Court’s Decision, know that you are not alone. You have every right to be who you are. We continue to fight for equality and justice among all people, no matter your identity,” said Mason.