Michigan lawmakers have passed a series of bills aimed at prohibiting licensed health professionals from conducting conversion therapy on minors. Conversion therapy is a controversial practice that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, despite being medically discredited. Several studies have linked this practice to higher rates of suicide among LGBTQ youth.
The bills received approval from the state Legislature on Tuesday. Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) spoke out against conversion therapy, describing it as “child abuse” that inflicts lasting damage on its victims. She emphasized the harmful impact of this therapy, stating that individuals are made to feel broken and wrong for their feelings, leading to further distress.
Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), the only openly gay man in the state Senate, also voiced his support for the legislation. He argued that conversion therapy only adds to the pain experienced by children and does not provide any genuine help or guidance.
The Senate passed the bills with mostly party-line voting, although one Republican legislator crossed the aisle to support the legislation. However, Representative John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) voted against the bills, expressing concerns about their language. While he agreed that certain practices associated with conversion therapy, such as electro-shock treatment, should be banned, he felt that the bills’ broad definitions could potentially dictate thought and words used in tailored treatment for individual patients.
The legislation defines conversion therapy as any practice or treatment by a mental health professional that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It also clarifies that counseling aimed at providing acceptance and support for individuals going through gender transitions or helping them cope in a neutral manner does not fall under the category of conversion therapy.
The passage of these bills in Michigan reflects a growing trend across the United States to ban conversion therapy. Currently, 20 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to protect minors from this practice. Advocates argue that these laws are necessary to safeguard LGBTQ youth and promote their mental health and well-being.
The Michigan bills will now move to the desk of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is expected to sign them into law. Once enacted, the legislation will protect minors in the state from the harmful effects of conversion therapy and send a strong message that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity are not only ineffective but also detrimental to their mental health.
Original Story at www.michiganradio.org – 2023-06-28 03:07:00
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