Legislation that was proposed in Lansing last week would ban conversion therapy for minors in Michigan.
The four bills would prohibit mental health professionals from performing conversion therapy on minors.
Conversion therapy is the practice of using psychoanalysis or other therapy in an attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The #HateWon’tWin Coalition pushed to get the legislation introduced.
“These are legislative efforts that our organization and others around the state of Michigan have been working on,” Executive Director of the Great Lakes Bay Pride Scott Ellis said. “We were the ones that brought that forward and pushed to have that introduced so it is satisfying to see that it was.”
Great Lakes Bay Pride is a partner of #HateWon’tWin. Ellis said this bill is an important step in protecting LGBTQ youth.
“We are optimistic that by eliminating that practice or not allowing it anymore by licensed professionals here in the state this practice that LGBTQ youth will not be subjected to,” Ellis said.
The bills have been referred to committee.
Currently, 21 states have banned conversion therapy.