Update 3/22: The bill did not come up for a final vote on Friday.

A bill banning licensed therapists and other licensed mental health professionals from offering conversion therapy to minors under age 18 cleared the Senate on a preliminary vote Thursday. It is expected to head to a final Senate vote on Friday.

According to proponents of the bill, such “therapy” seeks to convert a homosexual or bisexual into being heterosexual through psychological or spiritual interventions or both. It’s dangerous, as it can lead to depression, anxiety, drug use, homelessness and suicide, especially among minors, they say.

RELATED: Conversion therapy ban appears headed to become Colorado law

Former Attorney General Cynthia Coffman testified earlier this week in a Senate committee that Colorado youth have a high suicide rate, noting that in February alone, the Safe to Tell program took 345 calls about suicide and suicidal ideation among school children statewide.

“Youth … whatever their sexual orientation, express a fear of being who they are, and they are growing up in a culture of harsher judgment, belittling and lack of acceptance,” Coffman said. “It’s not often as leaders we have an opportunity to do something for children who have guilt, shame and confusion about who they are, but today’s bill presents that opportunity.”

The Senate only briefly debated House Bill 1129 before approving it on a voice vote. Republican Sen. Jim Smallwood of Parker offered an amendment to prohibit physical abuse, but bill sponsor and Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg of Boulder opposed it, stating that the harm caused by emotional abuse is as big a problem. Leaving out emotional abuse infers that it’s okay, Fenberg explained. 

The bill has not been amended by the Senate, and if approved on Friday, will head to Gov. Jared Polis’ desk. He is expected to sign it.