Lawmakers In Michigan Passes Bill To Ban Minor Conversion Therapy

Michigan

Lawmakers in the state of Michigan have passed new legislation with two bills banning conversion therapy. Michigan, which is a Democrat state, has now joined other Democrat majority states in passing the resolution of safeguarding minors from conversion therapy, from their sexual orientation. Michigan is now vehemently supporting the community of LGBTQ+ in the state. 

Conversion therapy has been and still is a biased attempt on minors who have exhibited or identified as members of the LGBTQ+ community. This therapy takes a psychological approach and counseling to revert minors away from their same-sex orientations. The newly passed bills now will be sent to Gretchen Whitmer, the Democratic Governor of the state, who previously had stopped state and federal funds that were being used for these unscientific therapies.

House Bills 4616 and 4617 address the contention of conversion therapy. Bill 4616 bars psychologists from providing or practicing conversion therapy on children under 18. If the professional is found engaged in such practices, he or she may even face actions with either suspension or cancellation of their license. Bill 4617 defines conversion therapy as a practice that defies the state’s code for mental health.

Human Rights Campaign Lauds The Bills By Michigan Lawmakers

After lawmakers in Michigan had legislated their final vote of approval by passing the bills banning conversion therapy, the Human Rights Campaign has heaped praises. The Human Rights Campaign is one of the most prominent civil rights organizations for the LGBTQ+ community in the US. The organization’s vice president, Sarah Warbelow has commented on the Michigan bills saying that no one should face such a discredited practice of conversion therapy.