Kentucky governor signs executive order banning conversion therapyThe scientifically discredited treatment, which aims to change an LGBTQ person's sexual orientation or gender identity, is now banned for minors in 24 states.
Link to Full ArticleNBC NEWS - Matt Lavietes
Sept. 18, 2024, 12:47 PM MDT
The state now joins 23 others where the debunked mental health treatment, which aims to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ people, is banned for minors, according to the LGBTQ think tank Movement Advancement Project. The executive order went into effect immediately.
"Kentucky cannot possibly reach its full potential unless it is free from discrimination by or against any citizen — unless all our people feel welcome in our spaces, free from unjust barriers and supported to be themselves," Beshear, a Democrat, said in a statement. "Conversion therapy has no basis in medicine or science, and it can cause significant long-term harm to our kids, including increased rates of suicide and depression. This is about protecting our youth from an inhumane practice that hurts them."
LGBTQ advocates have denounced the disputed treatment for years, citing research that shows conversion therapy can increase risks of mental health issues.
As many as 15% of LGBTQ youths have been subjected to or threatened with conversion therapy, according to a 2023 survey ... by The Trevor Project.----------
