Conversion therapy targeting LGBTQ+ youth banned in Michigan

Conversion therapy targeting LGBTQ+ youth to change their sexual orientation or gender identity will soon be banned in Michigan after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation outlawing the practice.

Twenty-one states currently ban the practice of conversion therapy, according to the Movement Advance Project, an organization that researches LGBTQ+ issues. Michigan will become the 22nd state to do so.

House Bills 4616 and 4617 signed by Whitmer ban licensed mental health professionals in Michigan from practicing conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ minors. Both bills passed 21-15 in the state Senate, with Sen. Mark Huizenga, R-Walker, the lone GOP member to vote with Democrats in favor of each bill. The legislation did not garner enough GOP support to take immediate effect. Instead, it will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

"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."

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Erin Knott, executive director at Equality Michigan which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights in the state, celebrated the legislation.

"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," she said in a statement. "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."

According to the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), there is no evidence that conversion therapy is effective. However, there is evidence the practice can be harmful to children’s development. Other leading medical and psychological associations say the practice is ineffective as well, including the American Medical Association (AMA).

The head of the Michigan State Medical Society applauded Whitmer for banning conversion therapy, saying the practice "lacks rigorous scientific validation."

"As a medical community, we are grounded in evidence-based approaches, dedicated to providing safe practices and trustworthy treatments, and sworn to first 'do no harm.' Therefore, we appreciate the work of the Legislature and Gov. Whitmer in recognizing the harm caused by this discredited practice and the commitment to eradicate it within the state of Michigan," said Dr. M. Salim Siddiqui, president of the society, in a statement,

In 2021, Whitmer signed an executive directive prohibiting the use of public funds for the practice. Michigan LGBTQ+ advocates wanted lawmakers to ban conversion therapy.

Earlier this year, Whitmer expanded the state's civil rights law to bar discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, essentially codifying a Michigan Supreme Court ruling that found that the law offers protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.

She has pitched protecting LGBTQ+ rights in Michigan as a way to retain and attract new residents amid sluggish population growth and lure business investments to the state.

Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on Twitter @clarajanehen.

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @arpanlobo.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ban on conversion therapy in Michigan targeting LGBTQ+ youth