Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 5722 into law Wednesday, the Spokesman-Review reports. It declares the state has a "compelling interest" in "protecting" the physical and mental health of anyone under 18 from the "serious harms caused by conversion therapy."

Under the law, "conversion therapy" is defined as any counseling or treatment by a licensed medical professional intended to "change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity," or "eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex."

Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, is controversial in large part because it challenges the notion that sexual attraction is biologically rooted and unchangeable. Prominent medical organizations such as the World Psychiatric Association have condemned the practice, but many former homosexuals attest to the treatment's effectiveness.

Supporters of therapists helping people overcome unwanted attractions point out that therapy is about helping clients achieve their goals—and some seeking therapy want to cease or not act on same-sex attractions.

Now classified as "unprofessional conduct" in Washington, conversion therapy is grounds for suspending or revoking a medical license regardless of whether a minor seeks it out, and the law contains no exception for parental request or approval of the treatment.

SB 5722 does include language stating the ban does not apply to speech from non-licensed private citizens, or non-licensed religious practices or counseling performed "under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or organization."

"We are today prohibiting the abuse of our children," Inslee declared at the signing. "We have always believed in civil rights in our state."

When asked why parents should not have the right to choose such treatment for their children, Inslee equated it with letting "parents or doctors make decisions to let broken legs be treated in something that ends up losing both your limbs"...

Continue reading here.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

A Prayer Guide for Halloween from Wanda Alger

Appeal to Heaven: Members of Congress Join to Pray for Nation

5 Things to Know About the Virginia Governor's Race

Lawmakers Move to Impeach Judge Boasberg for Rubber-Stamping Jack Smith's Partisan Surveillance

Bombshell Texts Reveal LA Fire Brass Knew Fire That Burned Down Palisades Wasn't Out

Wow: According to Feds Over 7,200 Truck Drivers Were Removed from US Highways after Failing English Test

The Government Shutdown Exposed the Biggest Lie in Education

Trump Tells Republicans to Use 'Nuclear Option' to End Democrat Filibuster That Caused the Shutdown

FBI Thwarts 'Potential Halloween Weekend Terrorist Attack' in Michigan

Trump Names Nigeria 'Country of Particular Concern' in Order to Help Stop the 'Slaughter' of Christians

Shroud of Turin Skeptic Now Says It's Real 'Evidence to... the Resurrection of Jesus'

Teacher Rebuked for Constitution Day Lesson on Free Speech

Governor DeSantis Announces Special Partnership with TPUSA Meant to Protect Club America Chapters in Florida

Don't Miss This: Erika Kirk's Inspiring Speech to Students at the University of Mississippi

Illegal Border Crossings in September Historically Low

Every Shutdown in Last 35 Years Was Ended by a Continuing Resolution, Like the One Dems Keep Rejecting

Prior to Meeting with China's Xi Jinping, President Trump Announced Policy Change in US Nuclear Weapons Testing

'We Have a Deal': President Trump's 'Amazing' Meeting with China's Xi Jinping

US Missionary Abducted by Suspected Jihadists: 'Pray for His Protection'

State Senator to Call on Trump to Fight Christian Persecution