Why hasn’t NC banned harmful conversion therapy affecting LGBTQ+ youth? | Opinion

It’s hard to believe a harmful, discredited practice like conversion therapy is legal in NC. Young LGBTQ+ people remain vulnerable to so-called “therapies,” which attempt to change their sexual orientation or gender identity despite overwhelming medical research finding it ineffective and dangerous.

For LGBTQ+ youth already at risk of mental-health challenges, this practice can be devastating. Major doctors’ associations have condemned conversion therapy, citing increased rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide. North Carolina has a duty to follow suit.

Our lawmakers should ban conversion therapy for minors. This sends a clear message: every young person in our state deserves to be affirmed, supported and safe, not subjected to practices putting their mental health at risk. We often say we want families to thrive in NC. That begins with protecting our most vulnerable children. It’s time to end conversion therapy.

Shiven Nagabandi, Harrisburg

Zelenskyy meeting

The Europeans were smart to attend the meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They saw Vladimir Putin’s hero welcome in Alaska and Trump caving on sanctions and cease fire. Putin again got what he wanted. Trump isn’t a match when they meet one on one.

This war would be over in six months if the U.S. and Europe gave Ukraine all the weapons needed and implement strong sanctions. Trump won’t do this because he believes Putin is a great leader.

John Hadaway, Charlotte

Remove pollutants

For decades, Alcoa aluminum plant in Stanly County operated with weak hazardous waste regulations. The company strewed hundreds of thousands of tons of toxic debris around West Badin and nearby waters. It was common for spent potliner, used to hold aluminum, to be buried. Spent potliner contains chemicals that can leach into the soil and groundwater.

Why are we still allowing Alcoa to discharge waste water into Badin Lake? Alcoa is responsible for tons of buried potliner waste, poisoning our water, parks and exposing people to waste run-off. I am tired of our representatives letting Alcoa harm my neighbors, my home and our environment. Deny any further demolition or permits to Alcoa until pollutants are removed!

Samantha Spence, Stanfield

DC criminal

I wonder about the need to deploy the National Guard for D.C. due to criminal activity. I wonder how the U.S. attorney general can ignore the president has been found guilty of 34 felonies? That same person watched as gangs attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 and did not quickly call for National Guard intervention saying that was Nancy Pelosi’s responsibility. I wonder where that is written in the constitution?

Too, I wonder how lawmakers and citizens can ignore the massive pardon of those who engaged in willful destruction, harmed others and did not pay for the damage? It is astonishing that several governors have sent troops to D.C. while putting their own citizens at risk. This history teacher is wondering.

Michael Cox, Charlotte

Moore for iPhone

Our elected representatives have a duty to provide us with accurate, reliable information. Representative Tim Moore is quoted in an Aug. 16 article saying U.S. consumers would pay only about $50 more if iPhones were domestically manufactured. A more common estimate is a U.S. made iPhone would cost from $2,000 to $3,500, a massive increase from the current average price of around $1,000. Shame on Rep. Moore.

Dumont Clarke, Charlotte

Local environment

With the loss of government funding and reversal of so many environmental protections, now more than ever is the time to advocate for and monetarily support our local organizations that are doing the work. Amidst all the devastation going on environmentally, we can make a difference.

Please support Sustain Charlotte, Trees Charlotte, CleanAIRE NC, Catawba Riverkeeper, Citizens Climate Lobby and the Catawba Lands Conservancy. These are just a few local organizations doing the work and our support is crucial if we aspire to live more sustainably, breath clean air, drink clean water and enjoy a healthy tree canopy. Charlotte is a beautiful city, let’s support organizations that are doing the work.

Thomas Scott George, Charlotte