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

Will Graham: Satisfy Your Longing Soul in 2026

Top New Year's Resolutions: Americans Want More Family Time and Prayer in 2026

'Hero' Mom Jumps into Water to Save 4-year-old Daughter Who Fell Between Cruise Ship and Dock

ICYMI: President Trump Delivered a Huge Christmas Gift to US With Newest Pharma Deal

Facts Flip Voters' View of Trump Economy, Thwarting Media Misinformation

Over Christmas, the US Struck the Islamic State in Nigeria

People of Iran Keep Rising Up against Tyranny...

WA Somali-Run Daycare Took $210,000 In Taxpayer Funds in 2025 But No Childcare Business Appears to Exist: Report

In Light of Fraud Allegations, Trump's HHS Pauses Funding for Minnesota Child Care Centers, Implements Verification

'Children Do Not Belong to the Government': Federal Judge Smacks Down CA Gender Secrecy Policies

Fed Judge Rules Trump Admin CAN Share Immigrants' Medicaid Data With ICE

[Watch] Shocking Unearthed Footage Shows Parents Pretending to Drop Kids Off at a Minnesota Day Care Center

Minnesota Fraud Scandal Exposes the Real Crisis Facing the West

Buried for 2,000 Years: Ancient Mikveh Discovered Beneath Western Wall Plaza

A Christian Response to the Terror Threats that Loom over New Year's Celebrations

'Landmark Achievement': New Puerto Rico Law Recognizes Unborn Children as People from Conception

Tariffs to Transgender Athletes: SCOTUS Cases to Watch in 2026

Homeland Security's Staggering Accomplishments in One Year, Including Finding Nearly 130,000 Missing Children

Ex-Atheist Filmmaker Explores Scientific Evidence for God in New Movie

Women’s Group Files to Get ‘Transgender’ Men Out of Female Prisons in Canada