Puerto Rico legislators push bill prohibiting conversion therapy for minors

The government meeting held on May 26, 2021, focused on the proposed legislation concerning the prohibition of conversion therapy, particularly aimed at protecting minors from such practices. The session was marked by a detailed discussion led by spokesperson Osvaldo Burgos Velez, who emphasized the importance of clarifying misconceptions surrounding the bill.

Burgos Velez began by asserting that the legislation does not address issues related to gender identity reaffirmation, countering claims that it conflates biological realities with sexual orientation. He highlighted that the bill's primary focus is on the protection of children, stating that conversion therapy is recognized as a form of maltreatment. He noted that the state has a right to intervene in cases of abuse, a stance supported by previous resolutions from professional codes of ethics.

The spokesperson pointed out that the proposed amendments to the child maltreatment law are minimal yet significant, aiming to provide parents with the tools to recognize and protect their children from harmful conversion therapies. He stressed that the bill would also facilitate the collection of statistics regarding these practices, which is crucial for understanding their impact.

Burgos Velez further addressed the ideological battle surrounding the legislation, criticizing conservative factions that oppose any measures promoting equity for the LGBTQ+ community. He reiterated that the bill is solely about safeguarding minors and does not impose any mandates on adults seeking conversion therapy.

The meeting transitioned into a question-and-answer segment, where Senator Rafael Bernabé reiterated the bill's objective to prohibit conversion therapies without extending its reach to other unrelated issues. He clarified that the legislation does not mandate hormonal treatments or infringe upon parental rights, emphasizing a principle of "wait and observe" rather than immediate intervention.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to protecting children from harmful practices while navigating the complex social and ideological landscape surrounding LGBTQ+ rights. The next steps involve further discussions and potential revisions to ensure the bill effectively addresses the concerns raised during the session.