Kentucky Governor Ban Conversion Therapy for Minors
Executive Order Targets Controversial Practice
On Wednesday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order banning “conversion therapy” for minors, a practice aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Beshear denounced the procedure as harmful, calling the ban a necessary measure to protect vulnerable children. This action places Kentucky among more than 20 states that have already enacted similar laws to prohibit the widely discredited therapy.
We've heard the voices of LGBTQ Kentuckians and we stand with them. Today I was proud to sign an executive order banning dangerous conversion “therapy” on our kids. No child, regardless of their sexuality, should be subjected to harm. pic.twitter.com/R4A9PhB6Qj
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) September 18, 2024
Executive Action Overrides Legislative Stalemates
Facing ongoing resistance from the Republican-controlled state legislature, Beshear employed executive authority to bypass the legislative impasse. Previous attempts to pass a state law had been blocked by the opposition. At the signing ceremony, Beshear remarked, “My faith teaches me that all children are children of God… we must act when practices endanger and harm them.” The governor’s remarks were well-received by attendees, despite a brief disruption from a protester who claimed the order denied “affirmation therapy.”
Read also : Argentina : Minister’s Comments on Gender Identities Ignite Controversy
Backlash from Conservative Groups
Conservative organizations, including The Family Foundation, quickly condemned the executive order. They argued that it infringes on religious freedoms and parental rights. David Walls, the foundation’s executive director, accused Beshear of promoting “false LGBTQ ideologies” and suppressing the ability of Christian counselors to assist children facing identity issues.
Medical Experts Endorse the Ban
Beshear emphasized that the ban does not promote any ideology but seeks to stop a harmful practice discredited by leading medical authorities. Both the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association oppose conversion therapy, linking it to higher rates of depression and suicide. The executive order also ensures that no state or federal funds are used to support conversion therapy, and it empowers the state licensure board to take action against professionals who continue the practice.
Widespread Movement Against Conversion Therapy
With this executive order, Kentucky joins nearly half of U.S. states that have taken legal steps to ban conversion therapy for minors. Although the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a related case in 2023, public sentiment against the practice continues to grow. Countries like Germany, France, and Canada have already passed national laws banning conversion therapy. Similarly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order in 2021, followed by a formal state law in 2023 that banned the therapy.
LGBTQ+ Advocates Applaud the Decision
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups hailed Beshear’s executive order as a significant victory for young people in Kentucky. Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, lauded the move in an online statement, highlighting research that shows LGBTQ+ minors subjected to conversion therapy are twice as likely to attempt suicide. Chris Hartman, director of the Fairness Campaign in Kentucky, praised Beshear’s leadership, affirming that the governor’s message to LGBTQ+ youth is clear: “You are perfect as you are.”
Source : https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kentucky-bans-conversion-therapy-governor-andy-beshear
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