Puerto Rico governor to sign executive order banning gay conversion therapy
Ricardo Rossello announced the news days after a bill on the topic was blocked in the House of Representatives
By Steve Brown
Puerto Rico governor Ricardo Rossello reveals he will sign an order banning gay conversion therapy on LGBTQ youth.
Currently, LGBTQ people in Puerto Rico have almost the same protections and rights as heterosexual people and now it seems they are going another step forward in the fight for LGBTQ rights.
Rossello announced on Wednesday (March 20) – days after a bill on the topic of gay conversion therapy was blocked in the House of Representatives – that he would sign an executive order banning the archaic practice.
According to local media, Rossello is quoted as saying: “As a father, as a scientist and as governor of everyone in Puerto Rico, I firmly believe that the idea that there are people in our society who need treatment due to their gender identity or those who love is not only absurd, but it is harmful to so many children and young people who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
“I strive for Puerto Rico to be a society in which everyone, no matter who they love, can be accepted and live without fear of persecution.
“This includes the most vulnerable in society, our children, who must be supported and loved.
“Conversion therapy does not benefit anyone in any way, it only causes unimaginable pain and suffering.”