Shutting The Back Door:  How One Mother Sees Proposed Ban in Massachusetts on ‘Conversion Therapy’ for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity

Karen's 15-year-old daughter was always the quietest of her children. When she was younger she showed signs of selective mutism, an anxiety disorder that causes trouble speaking in settings that aren't comfortable. Karen attributes the condition to physical and mental abuse that she says her daughter witnessed and suffered at the hands of another family member.

Karen's 15-year-old daughter was always the quietest of her children. When she was younger she showed signs of selective mutism, an anxiety disorder that causes trouble speaking in settings that aren't comfortable. Karen attributes the condition to physical and mental abuse that she says her daughter witnessed and suffered at the hands of another family member.…