GORHAM (NEWS CENTER Maine) – Lawmakers in Augusta continue to fiercely debate a bill to ban the controversial practice of conversion therapy in Maine.
The proposed bill would make it illegal for licensed therapists in the state to offer services aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation.
Randy Cathcart is one of dozens of people who submitted testimony in support of the bill proposed by Democratic Representative Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford.
Cathcart moved to Maine to start over. Once a husband, father, and minister, he said he was trying to do all the right things entering adulthood.
“I met my really good friend. We became best friends,” Cathcart said. “We got married, had a couple kids.”
His attempt at a sense of normalcy in his life eventually reached a breaking point.
Cathcart said he faced pressure from his family, community, and religion that prevented him from being able to come to terms with his sexuality.
"I wanted so desperately to be straight,” he said. "I was at the most desperate place in my life. I was trying to save my marriage. I was trying to save my ministry. I was trying to save everything.”
The father of two said he forced himself to do what he felt he had to: enrolled himself in a program known as Exodus International at a local church.
The program is designed to convince men and women that they are not gay and can be straight through suppression therapy. It is a practice that has come under fire nationwide.
Cathcart said the program, one of several forms of conversion therapy, was incredibly detrimental.
"I was faithful to my wife, I had never lived this crazy life that they assumed that all gay people live and what I needed and wanted they couldn't offer,” he said.
Conversion therapy is illegal in 10 states and Washington D.C., according to the Movement Advancement Project.
Maine is now among more than 19 states considering a ban.
Opponents to the proposed legislation said it goes against religious rights and could limit access to mental health for younger people struggling with their sexuality identity.
Cathcart who is now at peace as a gay man said a ban on conversion therapy would be an essential protection to ensure other members of the LGBT community can be true to themselves.
"I'm living proof that in the right environment and with the right help you can actually be whole again," he said.
The bill passed in the House of Representatives in a 76-68 vote after intense debate.
It was tabled in the Senate on Tuesday as lawmakers work to craft possible amendments.
Rep. Fecteau said he is still optimistic they have the votes they need to pass it.