Kentucky governor bans conversion therapy for minors in executive order

On Wednesday, Democratic Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky signed an executive order to prohibit the use of conversion therapy on minors. This decision comes after multiple attempts to pass legislation banning the practice failed in the state's Republican-controlled legislature. The governor emphasized the need to protect children from a discredited practice that aims to alter sexual orientation or gender identity through counseling, which has been shown to have harmful effects, including increased rates of suicide and depression. Beshear's executive order not only bans conversion therapy but also prohibits the use of state or federal funds for such practices on minors. It empowers the state’s board of licensure to take disciplinary action against practitioners who violate the order. This move aligns Kentucky with at least 23 other states and the District of Columbia that have enacted similar bans. The governor's action was supported by LGBTQ+ rights activists, including Chris Hartman, executive director of the Fairness Campaign, who praised the order as a necessary step to safeguard the well-being of LGBTQ youth in Kentucky. Beshear's statement highlighted the lack of scientific basis for conversion therapy and reinforced the message that acceptance and support for LGBTQ individuals are vital. This executive order marks a significant shift in Kentucky's approach to LGBTQ rights, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to protect vulnerable populations from harmful practices. It sends a clear message to LGBTQ youth and their families that they are valued and accepted as they are, fostering a more inclusive environment in the state.