Utah bans “conversion therapy” for minor children who may have no idea what ‘LGBTQ’ even is
by: JD Heyes
NaturalNews.com
Sunday, January 26, 2020
Utah has become the first truly conservative state to implement regulations banning “conversion therapy” for “LGBTQ” children after it received backing from the influential Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).
As reported by the UK’s Daily Mail, Utah’s ban of the “discredited practice” makes it the 19th state to do so and, because of its deep conservative leanings, paves the way for other right-leaning states to do so as well, according to advocates.
“It’s really given people a lot of hope,” sand Shannon Minter, the legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
Her group is hoping that other purple or red states will now follow suit. Already lawmakers in Virginia, Texas and Kentucky are considering banning the practice.
The Daily Mail notes:
Conversion therapy is a practice used to try to change sexual orientation or gender identity. Many people who have been through it say it deepened feelings of depression and increased thoughts of suicide.
“This measure will save lives,” said Republican Rep. Craig Hall, the original sponsor of the rule.
Hall praised the state for implementing it, noting that it not only prohibits a dangerous practice but also provides protections for healthcare professionals.
The rule was implemented after state officials adopted changes that had the support of the Mormon Church, whose leaders had refused to support an earlier version that did not contain certain exceptions for clergy.
According to reports, the rule bans therapists in Utah from subjecting LGBTQ minors to a practice the American Psychological Association said is not science-based and is detrimental to the mental health of those who tried it.
Nevertheless, there was some resistance to the rule. Critics said it would lead some parents away from trying to get help for children who believe they have “unwanted” gay feelings, as well as preventing therapists from even bringing up the subject of sexuality with their child patients.
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