California became the first state to ban therapy aimed at changing a minor’s sexual orientation from gay to straight after Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation Sunday prohibiting the so-called “conversion” therapy.

“This bill bans non-scientific ‘therapies’ that have driven young people to depression and suicide,” Brown said in a statement Sunday. “These practices have no basis in science or medicine and they will now be relegated to the dustbin of quackery.”

Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), who introduced the measure, commended the governor and said he hoped other states would follow California’s lead.

“No one should stand idly by while children are being psychologically abused, and anyone who forces a child to try to change their sexual orientation must understand this is unacceptable,” Lieu said.

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