New Mexico Bans Anti-LGBTQ Conversion Efforts
Gov. Declines to Sign Other Important Legislation

Equality Federation congratulates the hard work of Federation member Equality New Mexico, all of the national partner organizations, and the courageous advocates on the ground who shared their personal stories to achieve today’s victory: banning the dangerous and unscientific practice of sexual orientation and gender identity conversion efforts! New Mexico joins five states and the District of Columbia in banning the practice, and Equality Federation is currently supporting bills that would ban it in 19 more states.

“We are grateful to the legislators and Governor of New Mexico for showing leadership and banning this unscientific and discredited practice that does nothing but harm youth,” said Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of Equality Federation. “For the sake of young LGBTQ people and their families, we hope every state in the nation that hasn’t yet put an end to anti-LGBTQ conversion efforts follows New Mexico’s lead as soon as possible.”

“As a survivor of conversion therapy that happened right here in my home state of New Mexico, it’s a very special day to see this barbaric and dangerous practice banned in the place that I grew up and call home,” said Amber Royster, Executive Director of Equality New Mexico. “My hope is that parents and families everywhere will think twice before seeking to change their LGBTQ child or loved one, and now we have the legal mechanism to ensure it doesn’t happen at the hands of licensed practitioners in New Mexico.”

“In a sea of anti-LGBTQ legislation and attacks, this is an area where our movement has momentum and broad bipartisan support because this practice is so harmful and outrageous and something that no young person should be subjected to,” said Andy Garcia, Program Manager of Equality Federation.

Equality Federation joins Equality New Mexico in recognizing that this is a bittersweet victory for many. The Governor declined to sign SB 120, Vital Record Sex Designation, which would have been a tremendous win for transgender New Mexicans, making a more streamlined process to change their gender on their birth certificates. In addition, the Governor vetoed other legislation that would have helped LGBTQ New Mexicans, including bills pertaining to minimum wage, ban the box, racial bias in the workplace, and pregnant worker accommodations.