Michigan is joining the growing list of 21 states, plus the District of Columbia, to ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ minors under legislation signed Wednesday, July 26, by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“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,” 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.”
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, not only prevents a therapist from using conversion therapy on a person younger than 18, but it also creates penalties for those found guilty of participating in the practice.
The Democrat-backed bills passed out of the legislature last month. Sen. Mark Huizenga, R-Walker, was the lone Republican who voted in favor of the legislation.
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 about the negative, long-lasting effects the practice has on LGBTQ people.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes conversion therapy has resulted in increased risk of suicide, self-loathing, anxiety, substance abuse and depression among LGBTQ people.
Statistics from The Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to LGBTQ suicide prevention, estimate 10% of Michigan’s LGBT youth have reported being threatened with the possibility of conversion therapy as of 2022. Another 5% reported they’d already been subjected to it.
Erin Knott, executive director for Equality Michigan, said the new laws are a vital step toward protecting some of the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Governor Whitmer has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and safety of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ youth and is sending the powerful message that every young person in our state deserves to grow up free from the damaging effects of this dangerous practice,” Knott said. “By affirming that LGBTQ+ youth should be embraced, supported, and loved for exactly who they are, Michigan is paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.”
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