In a historic move to protect LGBTQ+ youth, Michigan has taken a significant step forward by outlawing the controversial practice of conversion therapy. On the 22nd of July, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation that prohibits licensed mental health professionals from attempting to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of minors. This landmark decision makes Michigan the 22nd state in the United States to ban conversion therapy, showcasing a growing nationwide recognition of the harmful effects of this practice on children’s mental and emotional well-being.
The Ban on Conversion Therapy
The legislation, passed with a 21-15 vote in the state Senate, clearly defines conversion therapy as any practice or treatment by a mental health professional aimed at altering an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. However, it is essential to note that this ban does not encompass counseling that supports individuals undergoing a gender transition. The bills will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns, providing time for preparation and implementation.
Governor Whitmer, the mother of an LGBTQ+ individual, expressed her satisfaction with the ban, emphasizing the state’s commitment to creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all. She passionately stated, “Today, we are banning the horrific practice of conversion therapy in Michigan and ensuring this is a state where you can be who you are.”
Support from LGBTQ+ Advocacy Groups
The decision received overwhelming support from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups like Equality Michigan. Erin Knott, the executive director of the organization, praised Governor Whitmer’s dedication to the well-being and safety of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ youth. Knott highlighted the ban as a pivotal moment, sending a powerful message that all young people deserve to grow up free from the damaging effects of conversion therapy.
Medical Community’s Backing
The American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, along with other leading medical and psychological associations, has already discredited conversion therapy as ineffective and potentially harmful. The lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy, combined with mounting evidence of its detrimental impact on children’s development, has led to a united medical front against the practice.
Dr. M. Salim Siddiqui, the president of the Michigan State Medical Society, applauded Governor Whitmer and the Legislature for taking a strong stance against conversion therapy. He emphasized that the medical community is committed to evidence-based approaches that prioritize patient safety and well-being.
LGBTQ+ Rights in Michigan
This latest ban on conversion therapy is not the first effort Governor Whitmer has made to protect LGBTQ+ rights in Michigan. In 2021, she signed an executive directive preventing the use of public funds for conversion therapy. Earlier the same year, Whitmer expanded the state’s civil rights law to include protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
By advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, Governor Whitmer aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive community within Michigan. She believes that such progressive policies will help retain residents, attract new talent, stimulate economic growth, and draw business investments to the state.
National and Regional Trends
Michigan’s decision to ban conversion therapy adds momentum to the nationwide movement against discriminatory legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community. In April, lawmakers in Minnesota passed a similar ban on conversion therapy. Similarly, Arizona’s Governor Katie Hobbs issued an executive order prohibiting state agencies from using funds to promote or facilitate the practice.
The Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for the LGBTQ+ community due to a rise in discriminatory legislation in statehouses across the country. Michigan’s ban is a crucial step in countering this troubling trend, as the state joins the growing coalition committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
