Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky has taken a significant step by issuing an executive order to prohibit the use of 'conversion therapy' on minors in the state. Conversion therapy is a widely discredited practice that attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity through counseling.
The governor's executive order comes after unsuccessful attempts to pass a law banning the practice in the Republican-dominated legislature. Beshear emphasized the lack of scientific basis for conversion therapy and highlighted its harmful effects, including increased rates of suicide and depression among those subjected to it.
The executive order signed by Beshear not only bans the practice but also makes it illegal to use state or federal funds for providing conversion therapy to minors. Additionally, the order grants the state's licensure board the authority to take action against practitioners of conversion therapy on minors and impose disciplinary measures on violators.
Conversion therapy has been widely discredited by reputable medical and psychiatric associations, such as the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association. Research indicates that this practice poses serious risks to the mental health and well-being of individuals, particularly minors.
Currently, at least 23 states and the District of Columbia have laws in place prohibiting the use of conversion therapy on minors. The move by Gov. Beshear has been met with praise from LGBTQ+ rights activists, with the Fairness Campaign's executive director commending the governor for his decisive action to protect Kentucky's LGBTQ youth from the harmful effects of conversion therapy.
In his statement, Beshear emphasized the importance of standing against hate and protecting the well-being of children, stating that 'hate is not who we are as Kentuckians.' The executive order represents a significant milestone in safeguarding the rights and dignity of LGBTQ youth in Kentucky.
