So-called conversion therapy has been shown to have long-term detrimental consequences, such as increased risk of depression, suicidal ideation, substance use, social withdrawal, and self-loathing.  The success of this landmark legislation represents a collaborative effort as NYSPA partnered with MSSNY, the NYS Psychological Association, the National Association of Social Workers – New York State and New York City, the New York Society for Clinical Social Work, LGBTQ advocacy organizations, medical specialty societies and a broad array of MH/SUD consumer and provider organizations. 

The Governor’s press release and a video of the bill signing are available at: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-signs-landmark-legislation-protecting-lgbtq-rights.

Pictured (L-R): Frank Dowling, M.D., Jack Drescher, M.D., Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan),
sponsor of law to prohibit so-called “conversion therapy” for minors and GENDA, Jamie Papapetros,
and Barry Perlman, M.D. 

Pictured (L-R): Jamie Papapetros, Frank Dowling, M.D., Assemblymember Deborah Glick (D-Manhattan),
sponsor of law to prohibit so-called “conversion therapy” for minors, Jack Drescher, M.D. and Barry Perlman, M.D. 

Pictured (L-R): Jack Drescher, M.D., Barry Perlman, M.D., Senator David Carlucci (D-New City), 
Chair of Senate Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Committee, Frank Dowling, M.D., and Jamie Papapetros.

Pictured (L-R): Jamie Papapetros, Barry Perlman, M.D., Alphonso David, Counsel to Governor Cuomo, 
Jack Drescher, M.D. and Frank Dowling, M.D. 

Pictured (L-R): Barry Perlman, M.D., Jack Drescher, M.D., Mathew Shurka, Co-Founder and Chief Strategist of 
Born Perfect who endured five years of so-called “conversion therapy,” Frank Dowling, M.D., and Jamie Papapetros.  

Governor Cuomo signing the bills to prohibit so-called “conversion therapy” for minors 
(Chapter 7 of the Laws of 2019) and GENDA (Chapter 8 of the Laws of 2019).

Pictured (L-R): Assemblymember Deborah Glick (D-Manhattan), Alphonso David, Counsel to Governor Cuomo,
actress Dominique Jackson, Glennda Testone, Executive Director of New York City’s LGBT Community Center,
Governor Cuomo, Assemblymember Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan), Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul,
and Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan).