Ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ minors in Michigan headed to governor

By Alyssa Burr|aburr@mlive.com
Updated: Jun. 28, 2023, 9:09 a.m.|Published: Jun. 28, 2023, 9:05 a.m.

Bills banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ minors in Michigan passed the state legislature, Tuesday, June 27 and are headed for the desk of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Once signed by Whitmer, Michigan will join the 21 states, plus the District of Columbia, which have already enacted bans on administering conversion therapy to minors.

“Michigan’s LGBTQ+ youth should be free from needless attacks and torture, and deserve to live in a state where they can be healthy, safe, and reach their full potential,” Equality Michigan Executive Director Erin Knott said in a statement. “Ending the dangerous practice of conversion therapy for youth is a critical step in making Michigan a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people and our families.”

House Bill 4617, defines conversion therapy as “any practice or treatment by a mental health professional that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including, but not limited to, efforts to change behavior or gender expression or to reduce or eliminate sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward an individual of the same gender.”

Its companion bill, House Bill 4616, would not only prevent a therapist from using conversion therapy on a person under the age of 18, but it would also create penalties for those found guilty of participating in the practice.

Both bills passed the Senate 21-15 on Tuesday. Sen. Mark Huizenga, R-Walker, was the lone Republican who voted in favor of the legislation.

Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, is the sponsor of a similar package of legislation in the Senate. In her floor speech Tuesday, she spoke about a mother in her district that sought out the help of a therapist for her child who was struggling with their identity.

The mother began to see her child “retreating week after week”, McMorrow said, but what she didn’t know was the therapist was trying to change her child’s sexual orientation.

“Imagine being a parent and wanting to do what is right for your kid and hiring a licensed professional because you believe that they are going to help them, and they harm them,” McMorrow said. “This is child abuse.”

Michigan already bans the use of state or federal funding to support conversion therapy efforts on minors.

Supporters of ending conversion therapy have long spoken out about the negative, long-lasting effects the practice has on LGBTQ people.

Original link to article: https://www.mlive.com/politics/2023/06/ban-on-conversion-therapy-for-lgbtq-minors-in-michigan-headed-to-governor.html