Utah finally bans conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth and is only the 19th state to do so

Utah has finally banned “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ youth, becoming the 19th state to do so, as reported by NBC News. The archaic, abusive practice has been decried by the American Psychological Association (APA) as not only detrimental to mental health but not even based in science. Beyond what the APA argues, many survivors of conversion “therapy” go on to experience a slew of issues, ranging from higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide attempts. 

“Every reputable science-based organization in the country recognizes that conversion therapy is a dangerous fraud. It exacerbates depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation,” Troy Williams, executive director of EQUALITY UTAH, said in an emailed statement. “We are grateful to Governor Herbert and the Board of Psychologists for acting swiftly on behalf of LGBTQ youth.”

Any state banning conversion therapy for kids is a positive step, but it’s particularly important to meditate on this happening in Utah. Why? Utah is a traditionally red state. If Utah can ban conversion therapy, it suggests, at minimum, hope for a ripple effect that other right-leaning states may follow through. Now 19 states, including Utah, D.C. and Puerto Rico, as well as about 50 cities and counties ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Virginia, Texas, and Kentucky are likely to consider or move on bans in 2020 too.

“I have learned much through this process. The stories of youth who have endured these so-called therapies are heart rending, and I’m grateful that we have found a way forward that will ban conversion therapy forever in our state,” Republican Gov. Gary Herbert said in a statement in November when he proposed the rule. “I’m grateful to the many stakeholders who came to the table in good faith, with never-ending patience.”

Rep. Craig Hall, the Republican who originally sponsored the bill, added that the “measure will truly save lives” in a statement. 

The ban will almost certainly save lives. Sadly, it wasn’t an easy legislative process to get here. Hall’s original legislation was changed so deeply by fellow conservatives that he actually stopped backing his own bill, as reported by local news outlet Fox 13. People came out to protest, eventually urging the governor to direct his Department of Commerce (specifically the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing), to circumvent the legislation altogether and move on an administrative rule.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church, has an important role in how this ban finally shook out in Utah too. Most state lawmakers, as well as most people, in Utah, are members of the church, as noted by The Guardian.

The church says that same-sex sex is a sin (though, to get down to a word by word level, same-sex feelings and attractions are not sins) and opposes same-sex marriage. On the flip side, the church tells its followers to have compassion for LGBTQ people. The church backed the ban after it was hammered out that the rule applies to state-licensed psychologists and mental health therapists, but not necessarily church leaders or members. So if a religious leader wants to provide “spiritual guidance” or “religious counseling” to families, for example, that’s an exception to the rule. But for licensed psychologists and therapists in Utah, they risk losing their license.

According to a 2018 study, close to 700,000 adults in the United States have experienced conversion therapy, with roughly half of them doing so as minors. No states have banned conversion therapy for adults.

from Daily Kos https://ift.tt/38w1gCD