ILLINOIS: State House Approves Ban On "Ex-Gay" Torture Of Minors By 68-43 Vote

Via Equality Illinois:

"Ending conversion therapy is our top priority in the legislature right now. Trying to change the unchangeable, our innate sexual orientation and gender identity, should not be attempted because it risks the health of LGBT youth," said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois. "We thank Rep. Kelly Cassidy, the chief House sponsor of HB217, for protecting the young people of Illinois and advancing this important legislation, and Sen. Daniel Biss, who is now taking up the bill in the Senate," Cherkasov said. The bill passed 68 to 43, with 61 Democrats and seven Republicans voting to protect the LGBT youth of Illinois, including the House Republican leader Rep. Jim Durkin among the "yes" votes. The roll call continues the history in Illinois of all laws that advance LGBT equality succeeding due to votes from both parties.

RELATED: Oregon Gov. Kate Brown yesterday signed her state's ban into law.