Michigan’s Democratic-controlled state legislature has passed a pair of bills that would ban conversion therapy for minors, joining other blue states in advancing LGBTQ+ protections. The bills, which were approved by the state House earlier this month, have now been sent to the desk of Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her signature. If signed into law, Michigan would become the 22nd state to ban conversion therapy.
Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that aims to change a person’s sexual orientation. The bills, known as House Bill 4616 and House Bill 4617, would prohibit mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with minors and add the definition of conversion therapy to the state’s mental health code. Violation of the ban would result in disciplinary action for the mental health professional, potentially including a suspended or revoked license.
The Human Rights Campaign, the country’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, applauded Michigan lawmakers for passing the bills and called them “critical.” Sarah Warbelow, vice president of legal for HRC, stated that no one should live in fear of being subjected to the discredited and dangerous practice of conversion therapy. She also commended Michigan for rapidly progressing toward being a more inclusive and safe state for LGBTQ+ people.
Governor Whitmer’s office has not yet provided information on what action she plans to take on the legislation. However, Whitmer has previously shown support for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2021, she signed an executive directive that blocked the use of federal and state funds for conversion therapy on minors. Earlier this year, she also expanded the state’s Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
The bills would take effect 90 days after the governor signs them into law. The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ+ youth, has reported that Michigan will be the 22nd state to ban conversion therapy if the bills are signed. Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz signed a similar ban into law in April.
LGBTQ+ rights have become an important issue in state legislatures across the country, with lawmakers from both parties pushing bills that either advance or curtail protections. Recently, Arizona Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs signed an executive order prohibiting state resources from being used to support conversion therapy on minors. The progress made in Michigan reflects the state’s shift toward being more inclusive and safe for the LGBTQ+ community.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-06-28 22:33:00