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Lawmakers continue push for conversion therapy ban in Maine

There is a public hearing Wednesday to discuss the controversial practice aimed at turning a gay person straight.

AUGUSTA, Maine — Lawmakers and members of the public are set to continue the emotional debate over a proposed ban on conversion therapy in Maine.

The controversial practice aims to turn gay people straight.

Supporters say it is critical to protecting vulnerable youth in Maine that therapists should not be able to engage in the practice.

The proposed bill seeks to prohibit "licensed professionals" from doing so with minors.

RELATED: Lawmakers to try again to ban 'conversion therapy' in Maine

“In today’s world what young people who have survived conversion therapy are reporting is they are using psychological means to cause harm to children,” Democratic Representative Ryan Fecteau said. “[They] tell them who they are is wrong and needs to be changed.”

Vote at pulse.newscentermaine.com

Governor LePage vetoed a proposed ban after it passed the legislature last year on the grounds of religious liberty.

Activists with the Christian Civic League of Maine say people should have the choice to get counseling.

RELATED: ‘I was at the most desperate place in my life’: Advocates fight to ban conversion therapy in Maine

“People can change,” Mike McClellan said. “Talk is not abuse, choice is good and there's an absence  of any complaints on this issue in the history of Maine.”

There are currently 16 states in the country banning the practice. Massachusetts is the latest to approve a ban by passing a bill this week.

A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning in Augusta. 

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