Katherine BiekMalta is the first European country to ban "gay conversion therapy."
That's what programs designed to change a person's sexual orientation are called. It's a widely condemned practice that can include electroshock therapy and verbal abuse.
The government of the island nation unanimously passed a bill criminalizing it. Now, anyone found trying to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or gender identity will face fines or jail time.
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Medical professionals found prescribing these so-called treatments will face even harsher fines or prison sentences.
An LGBT advocacy group that ranks European countries based on their LGBT and human rights policies put Malta at No. 1 on its list.
Conversion therapy is legal in most of the U.S. There are laws banning the practice for minors in Oregon, California, Illinois, Vermont, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.
