The Washington State Legislative LGBTQ Caucus issued the following statement Tuesday regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling striking down Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors:

“Today’s SCOTUS ruling against Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors only puts queer youth at more risk of serious harm. Conversion therapy is ineffective, unsafe, and traumatizing for kids who are forced to endure it, and that is why all our leading medical and mental health professional organizations reject this dangerous, discredited practice.

“Allowing conversion therapy to continue sends a clear message to every queer kid in this country: your identity is unacceptable, and you should seek to change it. But queer youth do not need to be changed. They need support, empathy, affirmation, and protection as they navigate their young lives and embrace who they are.

“We will evaluate how this ruling affects Washington’s law banning conversion therapy, and we will continue to fight to ensure our state remains a safe place for all queer people to live and thrive. We will not be erased. We will not be ashamed of who we are. And we will not stand by as the federal government tramples on years of progress for queer people.

“We are living in an intense time of backlash against queer people, especially our transgender siblings. Today’s ruling adds to the barrage of news about governmental actions that are chipping away at LGBTQIA2S+ rights in our country. It weighs heavily on us, but help is available for anyone who needs it. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, please contact one of the resources below.”