HI HB664

Amends Chapter 453J of Hawaii Revised Statutes to expand the ban on conversion therapy to explicitly include practices seeking to change an individual's gender identity, not just sexual orientation.

Replaces the term "sexual orientation change efforts" with "conversion therapy" throughout the statute and defines it as practices seeking to change sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors, gender expressions, or romantic attractions.

Maintains existing exemptions allowing counseling that provides assistance to persons undergoing gender transition, as well as counseling offering acceptance, support, and identity exploration, provided such counseling does not seek to change sexual orientation or gender identity.

Continues to prohibit licensed professional counselors from engaging in or advertising conversion therapy on minors under eighteen years of age, with violations subject to disciplinary action by appropriate licensing authorities.

Effective date: July 1, 2019.