Puerto Rico Senate discusses bill banning conversion therapy for minors

The meeting of La Comisión de Iniciativas Comunitarias, Salud Mental, held on June 14, 2021, focused on critical discussions surrounding the regulation of conversion therapy for minors in Puerto Rico. The session began with a clarification request from Licenciada Ana Irma Giulio Alazén regarding the state's powers under Law 246, which pertains to the welfare and protection of minors. She emphasized that the law explicitly prohibits the Department of Family from subjecting minors to conversion therapies.

As the discussion progressed, several senators expressed their perspectives on the implications of this legislation. One senator raised concerns about parental rights and the potential for state overreach in medical decisions regarding children. This prompted a call for clarity on how the law would be interpreted, particularly regarding parental disagreement with medical processes for their children.

Senadora Ada García acknowledged the importance of the meeting, highlighting that it brought visibility to issues often overlooked in public discourse. She commended the initiative for fostering dialogue on sensitive topics that affect vulnerable populations. García also inquired about the prevalence of conversion therapy practices among licensed professionals in Puerto Rico, noting the lack of concrete data due to the clandestine nature of such practices.

The meeting underscored the need for a balanced approach to protect minors while respecting parental rights and ensuring ethical standards among professionals. The discussions revealed a commitment to addressing the complexities of mental health treatment and the legal framework governing it in Puerto Rico. The commission plans to continue exploring these issues, aiming for a comprehensive understanding and regulation of practices affecting the mental health of minors.