Kentucky Governor Prohibits “Conversion Therapy” for Minors

On Wednesday, Kentucky’s Democratic Governor Andy Beshear officially prohibited the practice of “conversion therapy” for minors through an executive order. This decision has been hailed as a crucial measure to protect children from a widely discredited practice aimed at altering a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through various counseling methods. Kentucky joins over 20 other states that have enacted similar bans on this controversial treatment.

Beshear made the move after multiple attempts to pass a formal state law that would outlaw conversion therapy were stymied in a legislature dominated by Republicans. He emphasized the moral imperative behind his decision, stating, “My faith teaches me that all children are children of God. And where practices are endangering and even harming those children, we must act. The practice of so-called ‘conversion therapy’ hurts our children.”

During the signing ceremony at the Kentucky Statehouse, some opposition was raised when a voice from the crowd decried the order as a denial of affirmation therapy. However, this dissent was quickly drowned out by cheers from those advocating for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights.

The Family Foundation, a socially conservative group based in Kentucky, swiftly criticized Beshear’s action. They argued that the executive order infringes upon parental rights and restricts religious expression. David Walls, the organization’s executive director, expressed concerns that the order seeks to impose “false LGBTQ ideologies” and hinders Christian counselors, therapists, and pastors from assisting children grappling with issues related to sexual orientation or gender identity.

However, anticipating such backlash, Beshear defended his decision, asserting, “This action does not force an ideology on anybody. It simply stops a so-called ‘therapy’ that the medical community says is wrong and hurts our children.”

Beshear’s signed executive order not only bans conversion therapy for minors but also restricts the use of state and federal funds for such practices. The order further empowers the state’s licensing board to take disciplinary action against individuals found guilty of practicing conversion therapy on minors.

Conversion therapy has faced significant criticism from reputable organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association. Their stance is firmly rooted in research linking conversion therapy to heightened risks of suicide and depression among those subjected to it.

In December 2023, the Supreme Court opted not to hear a case concerning the practice, leaving the issue to be addressed at the state level. Currently, while there is no national ban on conversion therapy, nearly half of the states and the District of Columbia have enacted prohibitions against its use on minors.

In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz implemented an executive order banning conversion therapy in 2021. This was later solidified in 2023 with the passage of a formal law that outlawed the practice in the state.

Globally, many countries, including Germany, France, and Canada, have outlawed conversion therapy, although it remains legal in many regions around the world, according to recent data.

Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights celebrated Beshear’s decision. Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project—an organization focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth—asserted that this executive order serves as a significant affirmation of support for LGBTQ+ youth nationwide. He referred to research showing that those who experienced conversion therapy were over twice as likely to report having attempted suicide.

Chris Hartman, the executive director of the Fairness Campaign, a Kentucky-based LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, praised the governor’s decisive action. He emphasized that Beshear’s commitment sends a powerful message to Kentucky’s LGBTQ+ youth and their families, affirming that “you are perfect as you are.”

In a cultural landscape where such practices have long been debated, Beshear’s order marks a significant step toward safeguarding the rights and well-being of minors in Kentucky, aiming for a future where acceptance and understanding take precedence over discredited therapies.

Source: CBS News