Ulster County officials are taking a step to promote acceptance of LGBTQ youth. 

"When you're young and you're LGBTQ and being told that you're wrong and bad and are going to hell, that is wrong and bad," says Hudson Valley LGBTQ Executive Director Jeff Rindler.

Data from San Francisco State University says lack of acceptance can have negative consequences including higher rates of suicide attempts, HIV risk, depression and substance abuse. 

Rindler says that is "clearly not the future we want for any child."

Officials say that is why they enacted a new law banning what is called LGBTQ conversion therapy for minors. It's a practice that is shunned by many major medical associations. 

"We're going to embrace science, and we're going to embrace love and we're gonna reject hate every single time," says Ulster County Executive Michael Hein. 

Hein signed the bill into law Friday at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center in Kingston. Hein says he understands religious beliefs, but says this law is about protecting young people.  

"I really appreciate there are people with strong religious beliefs, and that is fine for an individual," says Hein. "But, to impose that on another human being, is nothing short of destructive."

Ulster County Legislator Jonathan Heppner sponsored the bill, his first as a legislator, and it passed with full support. He modeled the legislation after Erie County, the only other county outside of New York City to have the legislation. 

"It was one of those moments that I couldn't believe such an horrific and inhumane practice was still allowed to occur in our community in Ulster County," said Heppner. 

Statewide Governor Cuomo has issued executive orders preventing insurance companies from billing for the practice, and banning licensed professionals for conducting the so-called therapy, but there is no state law. Heppner says it still happens behind the scenes.

"That is why it's so important to have a local law not only to be able to shine a light in those areas where it's being done in the shadows but also to act as a deterrent," says Heppner.  

Ultimately, officials hope the new law will save lives. 

"If this can save just one person's life, then it's 100 percent worth it and it makes me incredibly proud," says Heppner.