Kentucky Governor Bans "Conversion Therapy" for Minors

Kentucky Governor Bans “Conversion Therapy” for Minors

Executive Order Targets Harmful Practice

On Wednesday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued an executive order banning the use of “conversion therapy” on minors. The governor condemned the controversial practice, which aims to alter a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through counseling, calling it a long-overdue step to protect vulnerable children. Over 20 other U.S. states have already enacted similar laws against the widely discredited therapy.

We've heard the voices of LGBTQ Kentuckians and we stand with them. Today I was proud to sign an executive order banning dangerous conversion “therapy” on our kids. No child, regardless of their sexuality, should be subjected to harm. pic.twitter.com/R4A9PhB6Qj
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) September 18, 2024

Executive Action Bypasses Legislative Roadblocks

Beshear utilized his executive powers to implement the ban after repeated attempts to pass a state law failed due to opposition in Kentucky’s Republican-majority legislature. During the signing ceremony, Beshear emphasized, “My faith teaches me that all children are children of God… we must act when practices endanger and harm them.” His comments were met with applause, although a protester briefly interrupted, claiming the order denied “affirmation therapy.”

Opposition from Conservative Groups

The Family Foundation, a socially conservative organization, swiftly criticized Beshear’s executive order, arguing it infringes on parental rights and religious freedoms. David Walls, the group’s executive director, stated the ban aims to “promote false LGBTQ ideologies” and silences Christian counselors seeking to help children with identity struggles.

Medical Community Supports the Ban

Anticipating opposition, Beshear clarified that the order does not impose any ideology, but rather halts a harmful practice rejected by the medical community. The American Medical Association and American Psychiatric Association oppose conversion therapy, citing research linking it to higher risks of depression and suicide. The executive order also prohibits the use of state or federal funds for conversion therapy and empowers the state’s licensure board to discipline practitioners found violating the ban.

Growing Movement Against Conversion Therapy

Beshear’s order places Kentucky among nearly half of U.S. states that have banned conversion therapy for minors. While the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up a related case in 2023, public sentiment is increasingly turning against the practice, with other countries like Germany, France, and Canada having already outlawed it. Notably, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took similar executive action in 2021, followed by a state law banning the therapy in 2023.

LGBTQ+ Advocates Applaud the Move

LGBTQ+ rights groups celebrated the executive order as a victory for Kentucky’s youth. Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project, noted in an online statement that the move affirms the support of LGBTQ+ leaders across the nation. Research cited by the nonprofit highlighted that LGBTQ+ minors subjected to conversion therapy are twice as likely to attempt suicide. Chris Hartman, head of the Kentucky-based Fairness Campaign, praised Beshear for his decisive action, emphasizing that the governor’s message to LGBTQ+ youth is clear: “You are perfect as you are.”

Source : https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kentucky-bans-conversion-therapy-governor-andy-beshear