New York Gov. Cuomo Issues Statement on Passage of Conversion Therapy Ban

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, issued the following statement:

"So-called LGBTQ conversion therapy is a fraudulent practice that has done untold harm to too many young people.

"New York has been at the forefront of protecting LGBTQ rights for decades and when Senate Republicans refused to ban conversion therapy, we took executive action to stop insurance companies from covering it.

"With today's passage of this important bill, New York is sending a clear message that no one should be tortured for being who they are and we will stand for nothing short of absolute acceptance and full equality.

"I applaud the legislature for taking this decisive action to ban conversion therapy and protect LGBTQ youth."