Minnesota Republican lawmaker Dan Hall attended a gay ‘cure’ rally
Dan Hall appeared at the gay ‘cure’ rally (Official photo)
Minnesota Republican lawmaker Dan Hall has attended a gay ‘cure’ rally, weeks after voting down a bill to ban conversion therapy in the US.
On the day of Minnesota’s largest Pride event, Twin Cities Pride, the state senator instead attended an event promoting the discredited idea that homosexuality can be cured.
Minnesota Republican Dan Hall attended ex-gay ‘Freedom March’
Photos and video from the event seen by PinkNews show Hall at the rally in St Paul, Minnesota on Saturday (June 23).
Speakers at the event praised the lawmaker for helping to block a bill to ban conversion therapy in the Republican-controlled Minnesota state senate.
The bill, which mirrors legislation that has already become law in 18 states, was defeated by a vote of 34-30 in May, with Republicans lining up against the legislation in a vote along party lines.
He was instrumental in helping to shut this bill down.
Pastor Nate Oyloe of Agape First Ministries told the crowd: “It was defeated in the name of Jesus, Hallelujah!
“In liberal Minnesota, it was defeated. I want to acknowledge that Senator Dan Hall is here today. He was instrumental in helping to shut this bill down.
“This is our victory lap, and I’m going to enjoy every step.”
Freedom March is sponsored by Uprooted Heart, a Georgia-based gay ‘cure’ group that claims to “help those currently in homosexuality and lead them to a life of transformation in relationship with Jesus.”
State Senator Dan Hall was visible in photos from the event
The group says it helps connect gay people to “ministries who offer mentorship, counseling, and accountability” as part of its efforts to cure them.
Hall has a lengthy anti-LGBT record.
Posts on what appears to be Hall’s personal Facebook page claim there is “no evidence” that people are born LGBT+, although there is plenty of evidence suggesting genetic factors play a role in determining sexuality.
The posts claim that if the Democrats take control of the legislature, “your children and grandchildren will be taught the proper way of having homosexual sex,” attacking the party for trying to “stop any kind of youth counseling against homosexuality.”
Hall did not respond to a request for comment from PinkNews or local outlet City Pages.
‘Appalling and bigoted’ Republican lawmaker slammed by Minnesota Democrats
Minnesota Democrats chair Ken Martin told PinkNews: “It’s appalling that Senator Dan Hall attended an event supporting the bigoted and discredited practice of trying to pressure people into changing their sexual orientation.
“It’s no wonder Hall and his fellow Senate Republicans voted down an attempt to ban conversion therapy in Minnesota.
“While Minnesotans overwhelmingly support their LGBTQ peers, it’s clear that Republicans remain mired in the prejudice and hate of the past.”
Conversion therapy is widely considered to be pseudoscience that seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The practice has been condemned by various health and psychiatry bodies across the world. In the United States, it has been discredited by the American Psychiatric Association, American College of Physicians, and the American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry.
