Michigan bans use of conversion therapy on LGBTQ youth under measure signed by governor

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The scientifically discredited practice of so-called 
conversion therapy, which aims to “convert” LGBTQ+ people to 
heterosexuality or traditional gender expectations, is now banned for 
minors in Michigan under legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Gretchen 
Whitmer.

Michigan becomes the 22nd state to outlaw conversion therapy, which state 
lawmakers defined as any practice or treatment by a mental health 
professional that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or 
gender identity. That does not include counseling that provides assistance 
to people undergoing a gender transition.

Whitmer, who is the mother of a member of the LGBTQ community, said in a 
statement that banning the “horrific practice,” of conversion therapy was 
necessary to making Michigan a place “where you can be who you are.” She 
signed an executive directive in 2021 prohibiting the use of state and 
federal funds for conversion therapy on minors.

An estimated 15% of LGBTQ minors in Michigan have reported that they have 
been threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy as of 2022, 
according to the advocacy group The Trevor Project.

LGBTQ rights advocates have decried the practice for years, citing 
research suggesting the practice can increase the risk of suicide and 
depression.

The ban was approved by the Michigan Senate last month in a 21-15 vote — 
with one Republican siding with Democrats — after previously being passed 
by the state House. Republicans in opposition said the legislation could 
interfere with the work of mental health professionals.

Protecting the rights of Michigan’s LGBTQ community has been a priority 
for Democrats since they took control of the state government earlier this 
year. In March, lawmakers amended the state’s civil rights act to codify 
LGBTQ+ protections and permanently outlaw discrimination on the basis of 
sexual orientation or gender identity in the state.

Lawmakers in Minnesota, where Democrats also seized control earlier this 
year, passed a similar ban on conversion therapy in April. In Arizona, 
Gov. Katie Hobbs issued an executive order last month that prohibits state 
agencies from using funds to promote or facilitate conversion therapy.

The Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for the LGBTQ+ 
community in May in response to what it called an “unprecedented and 
dangerous” spike in discriminatory legislation sweeping statehouses this 
year. The emergency declaration is the first in the 43-year history of the 
HRC.

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