Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, Kentucky’s governor, banned “conversion therapy” for minors on Wednesday. He called his executive order necessary to protect children against a practice widely criticized that attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation through counseling.
After the Republican-dominated state legislature repeatedly failed to pass a law prohibiting the practice, the governor used his executive power. Beshear issued the executive order at a ceremony held in the statehouse, attended by LGBTQ+ activists.
Beshear stated in a press release that “conversion therapy is not based in science or medicine, and has been shown to increase suicide and depression rates.” “This is all about protecting our children and doing the right thing.” “Hatred is not part of who we are, as Kentuckians.”
Beshear’s executive order bans this practice, and it is illegal to use federal or state funds to provide therapy to minors. The executive order also grants the state board of licensing the authority and authority to punish anyone who is found to have used conversion therapy on minors.
The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Psychiatric Association are among those who have discredited such therapy and opposed it, citing studies that show an increased risk of depression and suicide.
Beshear’s office reported that at least 23 states, including the District of Columbia, prohibit conversion therapy for minors.
Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign praised Beshear’s “bold, necessary actions to protect Kentucky’s LGBTQ youth from harmful conversion therapy.”
“Today Gov. Beshear is sending a message to Kentucky’s LGBTQ children and their families: “You are perfect just as you are,” Hartman stated.
