Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation outlawing conversation therapy for minors, making the state 22nd to pass this bill.
Controversial practice
Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, targets LGBTQ+ youth with the aim to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Significant medical organizations dismissed this practice as “unscientific” and even harmful. Michigan Governor said after signing the bill, “Today, we are banning the horrific practice of conversion therapy in Michigan and ensuring this is a state where you can be who you are.”
The Governor spoke as a mom of a member of the LGBTQ community
Whitmer continued, “I am grateful we are taking action to make Michigan a more welcoming, inclusive place.” She later posted on X, “As a mom of a member of the community and a proud, lifelong ally, I’m grateful that today we’re banning the horrific practice of conversion therapy in Michigan.”
The Governor signed another bill related to the conversion therapy
Whitmer also signed the bill known as House Bill 4616, which says professionals who engage in conversion therapy with minors will face disciplinary actions, including suspending or revoking the license.
Definition of conversion therapy
House Bill 4617 added a definition of conversion therapy as “any practice or treatment by a mental health professional that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including, but not limited to, efforts to change behavior or gender expression or to reduce or eliminate sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward an individual of the same gender.”
The exceptions
The ban does not apply to counseling that “provides assistance to an individual undergoing a gender transition” as long as the counseling “does not seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Many celebrated
Sarah Warbelow, vice president of legal for The Human Rights Campaign, issued a statement saying, “So-called ‘conversion therapy’ is a dangerous and discredited practice that will hopefully never see the light of day again here in Michigan.” Democratic state representative Jason Hoskins, the bill’s sponsor, told The Associated Press that conversion therapy “works on the false premise that LGBTQ+ children are wrong and they need to be fixed.” By banning the practice, it will give LGBTQ+ youth “one less thing” to worry about.
Equality Michigan issued a statement
Erin Knott, executive director at Equality Michigan, praised the Governor and the bills, saying, “Governor Whitmer has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and safety of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ youth and is sending the powerful message that every young person in our state deserves to grow up free from the damaging effects of this dangerous practice.” The statement continued, “By affirming that LGBTQ+ youth should be embraced, supported, and loved for exactly who they are, Michigan is paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.”
Michigan State Medical Society appreciates the work of Michigan lawmakers
Dr. M. Salim Siddiqui, president of Michigan State Medical Society, issued a statement, “As a medical community, we are grounded in evidence-based approaches, dedicated to providing safe practices and trustworthy treatments, and sworn to first ‘do no harm.’ Therefore, we appreciate the work of the Legislature and Governor Whitmer in recognizing the harm caused by this discredited practice and the commitment to eradicate it within the state of Michigan.”
GOP legislator argued
The Hill reported that a representative from north Michigan, Repubcan Neil Friske, took the floor last month saying that the definition of conversion therapy was too broad and passing the bills could lead to criminalizing providers who are “simply upholding natural law and refusing to buy into the new age left-wing gender schemes.”
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