Gov. Whitmer signed House Bills 4616 and 4617: Michigan bans conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth

LANSING, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- On Wednesday, Michigan joined 21 other states in banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth.

This comes after Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4616 and 4617 into law.

"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," Governor Whitmer said in a statement.

"As a mom of a member of the community and a proud, lifelong ally, I am grateful that we are taking action to make Michigan a more welcoming, inclusive place," Gov. Whitmer said. "Let’s continue working together to ensure anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan, expand fundamental freedoms, and fight back against any and all forms of discrimination."

Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, refers to attempts at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Not only can conversion therapy negatively impact the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, but "there also are no credible scientific peer-reviewed studies that demonstrate that conversion therapy in any form is effective," according to a statement from Independent Forensic Expert Group.

House Bill 4616 amends the state's Mental Health Code to prohibit mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with a minor and adds that professionals who do so are eligible for disciplinary action and/or licensing sanctions.

House Bill 4617 amends the Mental Health Code to define 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 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."

Original article: https://wwmt.com/news/state/michigan-bans-conversion-therapy-for-lgbtq-youth