A Nevada legislator wants to ban professional therapists from attempting to talk people out of homosexuality, in a practice commonly referred to as conversion therapy.
Most national organizations of medical professionals oppose the practice because sexual orientation is not a mental condition.
They say negative effects of conversion therapy can include depression, causing people to retreat from society, hide their identity or commit suicide.
Democratic Sen. David Parks of Las Vegas is proposing the state urge the medical board to discipline licensed professionals who attempt to stamp out sexual desires for people of the same sex.
Senate Bill 201 would apply to psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, family therapists and other clinical counselors. It would not apply to religious counselors like pastors.
Opponents at a Monday hearing said conversion therapy should be a lawful medical option for willing adults and children's parents.