New York is taking steps to stop therapists from trying to change young people's sexual orientation, joining a number of states that have taken action against what's known as "gay conversion" therapy.
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced plans for new regulations Saturday. They will bar New York insurers from covering the therapy for minors and will prohibit mental health facilities under state jurisdiction from offering it to minors.
It's not immediately clear how many insurers or facilities statewide provide the coverage or therapy now.
States including California, New Jersey and Illinois have banned conversion therapy. But efforts to ban it have failed in other states, including Colorado.
Opponents of conversion therapy say it has been discredited and can harm young people. Supporters say banning it limits treatment options.
