Ohio lawmaker quotes Lady Gaga lyrics in hearing to ban conversion therapy on minors

Ohio lawmakers held a first hearing on Tuesday for a bill that would ban the discredited practice of conversion therapy. 

Senate Bill (SB)  71 would prohibit certain healthcare providers – including licensed physicians, social workers, psychologists, counselors and advance practice nurses – from “engag[ing] in conversion therapy when providing mental health treatment to a minor patient.”

Conversion therapy, sometimes called reparative therapy or reintegrative therapy, is a set of widely condemned practices designed to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Every major medical and psychological organization has said that conversion therapy not only doesn’t work but does actual harm like increasing anxiety, depression and suicidality.

If SB 71 becomes law, enforcement would come from the individual’s professional state-licensing board. Each board would set up its own process for filing a complaint. The board would be in charge of deciding whether an infraction deserves a suspension or revoking the license.

Currently, 15 Ohio municipalities – 14 cities and Cuyahoga County – ban conversion therapy on minors.

SB 71 was introduced in February 2025 by Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Sen. Beth Liston (D-Dublin). This is the fourth time Ohio lawmakers have considered such a bill. Senate rules mandate that bills introduced by April in even-numbered years are guaranteed a hearing.

A companion bill to ban conversation therapy on minors is also proposed in the Ohio House.

Enter: Lady Gaga

Tuesday’s hearing in the Health Committee lasted less than four minutes.

Liston said that conversion therapy is linked to psychological, physical, relational and financial harm and that there is no credible evidence that conversion therapy changes sexual orientation or gender identity. She said an estimated 500 Ohio minors a year are subjected to conversation therapy.

“We have over 70 years of data telling us this hurts children,” Liston said. “Let’s protect them instead.”

After initial remarks outlining the harms of conversion therapy, Antonio pivoted to lyrics from the LGBTQ+ anthem “Born this Way” by Lady Gaga to make her case. 

“I think these lyrics by Lady Gaga of all people give the best rationale for why conversion therapy is not only damaging to individuals who are exposed to it, but also demonstrates that people are who they are regardless of external pressures,” said Antonio. “I’m beautiful in my way / ‘Cause God makes no mistakes / I’m on the right track, baby I was born this way / Don’t hide yourself in regret / Just love yourself and you’re set / I’m on the right track, baby / I was born this way.”

No one on the committee had any questions for the bill sponsors. A second hearing has not yet been scheduled. 

SB 71 was heard as Republicans are attempting in a separate bill to ban Democrats’ definition of “conversion therapy.”

One section of HB 693 – a bill that would protect parents who reject their trans children – would prevent any state agency from “stating or suggesting” that any “psychological and mental health treatment” that refuses to acknowledge a trans child can be called “conversion therapy.” 🔥

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