Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has taken a significant step in protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in the state by issuing an executive order that bans the use of ‘conversion therapy.’ The controversial practice, which claims to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, has been widely discredited by medical professionals and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
The executive order, signed on Tuesday, prohibits licensed medical professionals in Kentucky from practicing conversion therapy on minors. Governor Beshear emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable youth from harmful and ineffective practices that can lead to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. He stated, “We should be focused on protecting, supporting, and uplifting our young people, not subjecting them to this type of dangerous and outdated pseudo-science.”
Conversion therapy has been condemned by major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association, as it is not only ineffective but also can cause significant harm to individuals subjected to it. LGBTQ+ youth who undergo conversion therapy are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues and are more likely to attempt suicide.
Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights have praised Governor Beshear’s executive order as a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being and safety of LGBTQ+ youth in Kentucky. They hope that other states will follow suit in banning conversion therapy and protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
In a time when LGBTQ+ rights are being increasingly challenged and threatened, Governor Beshear’s decision to ban conversion therapy sends a powerful message of support and acceptance to the LGBTQ+ community in Kentucky. The executive order is a significant milestone in the fight against harmful practices that seek to erase or change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
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