Kentucky Joins Over 20 States in Banning ‘Conversion Therapy’

On September 18, Kentucky officially joined nearly two dozen other states in prohibiting the controversial practice of “conversion therapy,” as Governor Andy Beshear enacted an executive order to implement the ban. The decision is seen as a significant step toward protecting LGBTQ+ youth from psychological harm associated with this discredited method.

Governor Beshear expressed strong opposition to conversion therapy, stating, “Conversion therapy has no basis in medicine or science, and it can cause significant long-term harm to our kids, including increased rates of suicide and depression.” He emphasized that this legislation aims to safeguard youth from practices that he described as inhumane.

The ban took effect immediately upon its announcement, though some legal experts suggest that it may encounter challenges in the courts. Beshear, a Democrat and son of a former Kentucky governor, stressed the importance of creating an environment where every citizen feels welcomed and free from discrimination.

Notably, conversion therapy, sometimes referred to as reparative therapy, attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity under the guise of counseling. The practice has been widely discredited and opposed by leading medical and mental health organizations across America. With Kentucky’s recent action, it aligns with 23 other states that have enacted similar bans on conversion therapy for minors, as reported by the LGBTQ think tank Movement Advancement Project.

Beshear pointed out that “Kentucky cannot possibly reach its full potential” if discrimination persists. He believes that the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals are integral to the state’s progress.

Statistics reveal a troubling picture for LGBTQ+ youth in Kentucky, where 21 percent have reported either being threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy, according to The Trevor Project, a prominent LGBTQ suicide prevention organization. An official from The Trevor Project referred to conversion therapy as an “abusive practice” that has inflicted harm for too long across the commonwealth.

In a challenging context for LGBTQ+ rights, Kentucky previously enacted legislation that banned gender-affirming care for minors and restricted public school instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity after overriding a veto from Beshear. These moves are part of a broader trend of increasing restrictions on LGBTQ rights in the state.

On a more positive note, Tanner Mobley, a queer advocate from Kentucky, expressed pleasure over the governor’s action, highlighting the importance of protecting LGBTQ+ youth from harmful practices like conversion therapy.

Despite the executive order, there is a possibility that the ban could be contested in court or repealed by the state legislature, where Republican supermajorities hold significant power in both the House and Senate. State Representative Josh Calloway has declared his intention to introduce legislation aimed at undermining Beshear’s efforts, branding the governor’s actions as a potentially harmful element of a “far-left agenda.”

Critics of the ban, including some lawmakers, have voiced concerns that it might hinder Christian counseling. State Senator Robby Mills commented that the order could stigmatize mental health support within faith communities, asserting that parents should have the right to raise their children according to biblical principles and seek faith-based counseling.

Further criticism came from leaders of Christian organizations who argue that the executive order limits the freedoms of parents and counselors alike. David Walls, the executive director of the Family Foundation, emphasized that parents should retain the right to seek counseling aligned with their beliefs, including support centered on faith.