HONOLULU, Hawaii - Senate Bill 270, which prohibits therapists from offering sexual orientation change efforts or "conversion therapy" to patients under the age of 18, was signed into law today. The ban on sexual orientation change efforts includes the practice of attempting to change a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The bill applies to licensed professionals such as psychiatrists, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. The measure also establishes a temporary sexual orientation counseling task force within the state Department of Health to address the concerns of minors who seek counseling on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, and related behavior. SB270 is now Act 13 and takes effect on July 1, 2018.