In a landmark decision, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky has signed an executive order banning the use of “conversion therapy” on LGBTQ+ minors in the state. Conversion therapy, also known as “reparative therapy,” is a widely discredited practice that aims to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Governor Beshear’s decision comes after years of advocacy from LGBTQ+ rights groups and mental health professionals who argue that conversion therapy can have harmful effects on individuals, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
The executive order prohibits licensed therapists from engaging in conversion therapy with minors under the age of 18. Governor Beshear stated that no child should be subjected to a harmful and debunked practice that can cause lasting trauma.
Advocates for the LGBTQ+ community have praised Governor Beshear for taking a stand against conversion therapy and protecting the well-being of young people in Kentucky. They hope that this decision will set a precedent for other states to follow suit and ban this harmful practice.
This move aligns with the growing trend of states and municipalities across the country enacting bans on conversion therapy for minors. Currently, 20 states and the District of Columbia have laws in place that restrict or prohibit the use of conversion therapy on minors.
Overall, Governor Beshear’s decision to ban conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ minors in Kentucky is a significant step towards protecting the rights and mental health of vulnerable youth in the state. It sends a clear message that harmful and discriminatory practices will not be tolerated, and that all individuals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
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