Rhode Island Lacks Statewide Ban on Conversion Therapy, Unlike Connecticut and Massachusetts
Rhode Island is the only New England state without a statewide ban on conversion therapy for minors, according to data from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Connecticut and Massachusetts have prohibited the practice since 2018 and 2014, respectively, while Rhode Island remains one of 14 U.S. states without such legislation, as of 2023.
Conversion therapy, a discredited practice aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, has been widely condemned by medical and mental health organizations. The American Psychological Association (APA) states that the therapy can lead to “anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem” and warns against its use with minors.
Statewide Legislation in New England
Connecticut became the first state to ban conversion therapy for minors in 2018, following a 2017 state Senate vote that passed with bipartisan support. The law, signed by Governor Dannel P. Malloy, prohibits licensed mental health professionals from offering the practice to individuals under 18.
Massachusetts implemented a similar ban in 2014, making it the second state to enact such legislation. The law, which applies to licensed practitioners, was championed by advocacy groups like the Massachusetts Association of Social Workers. “This ban protects vulnerable youth from harmful practices,” said a spokesperson for the group at the time.
Rhode Island’s Legislative Stance
Rhode Island has not passed a statewide ban on conversion therapy, though some municipalities have taken action. In 2021, the city of Providence passed a resolution condemning the practice, and the state’s Department of Health issued a statement encouraging healthcare providers to avoid it. However, no state-level law has been enacted.
Legislators in Rhode Island have introduced bills to address the issue, but none have advanced beyond committee. A 2022 proposal by Democratic State Senator Teresa Paiva Weed aimed to prohibit licensed professionals from offering conversion therapy to minors, but it did not receive a floor vote. “We’re still waiting for leaders to prioritize the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth,” said a spokesperson for the Rhode Island LGBTQ+ Coalition.
Comparative Analysis of State Policies
As of 2023, 22 states and the District of Columbia have banned conversion therapy for minors, according to the HRC. States like New York and California have broader restrictions, covering both licensed and unlicensed practitioners. In contrast, Rhode Island’s approach remains limited to local initiatives and voluntary guidelines.
Connecticut’s ban includes penalties for violations, with fines up to $10,000 for licensed professionals. Massachusetts’ law also mandates reporting of suspected violations to licensing boards. Rhode Island’s lack of similar measures has drawn criticism from national advocacy groups. “It’s unacceptable that families in Rhode Island don’t have the same protections as those in neighboring states,” said a representative from the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
Implications and Next Steps
Advocates argue that the absence of a statewide ban in Rhode Island leaves LGBTQ+ youth vulnerable to harmful practices. “This is a matter of public health and safety,” said Dr. Sarah M. Bower, a clinical psychologist at Brown University. “We need policies that reflect the consensus of medical experts.”
Legislators in Rhode Island are expected to revisit the issue in the 2024 session, with several bills already introduced. The outcome could place the state in line with its New England neighbors or leave it as an outlier in the national landscape of LGBTQ+ protections.