Michigan will soon ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youths who wish to change their gender identity or sexual orientation. Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation to ban the practice.

Michigan is the 22nd state in the nation to ban conversion therapy. The state legislature defined it as any treatment or practice by a mental healthcare professional that aims to change a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation. This does not include counseling for people who are undergoing a transition to a new gender.

Whitmer signed the House bills that prohibit licensed mental health professionals from practicing conversion therapy against LGBTQ+ minors in Michigan. The state Senate passed both bills 21-15, with a Republican voting with Democrats for each bill. The bill did not receive enough GOP support for it to go into effect immediately. It will instead take effect 90-days after the Legislature adjourns.

Whitmer, the mother of an LGBTQ member, made a statement saying, “Today we ban the horrifying practice of conversion therapy and ensure this is a place where you can be yourself.” “I’m grateful that we’re taking action to make Michigan more welcoming and inclusive.”

Erin Knott is the executive director of Equality Michigan, which advocates for LGBTQ+ civil rights in Michigan. She celebrated the new legislation.

In a press release, she stated that “Governor Whitmer demonstrated an unwavering commitment towards the safety and wellbeing of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Youth and sends the powerful message to every young person growing up in Michigan deserves to be free from the harmful effects of this dangerous practices.” By affirming that LGBTQ+ young people should be loved, supported and embraced for who they are, Michigan is setting the stage for a more inclusive and brighter future for all who live, work and visit here.

“Harm caused by discredited practices”

According to the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry there is no proof that conversion therapy works. There is some evidence that the practice may harm children’s growth.

The American Medical Association is among the other leading associations that have said the same thing.

The Michigan State Medical Society’s head applauded Whitmer on his decision to ban conversion therapy. He said the practice was “not backed by rigorous scientific evidence.”

We appreciate the efforts of the Legislature and Governor. Whitmer has recognized the harm caused by the discredited practice, and is committed to eradicating it in Michigan,” Dr. M. Salim Siddiqui said in a press release.

Whitmer signed a directive in 2021 that prohibits the use of funds from the public budget for this practice. Michigan LGBTQ+ activists wanted lawmakers to ban the practice.

Recent legislation protecting LGBTQ+ rights

Whitmer extended the state’s Civil Rights Law earlier this year to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identification, and gender expression. This was essentially codifying the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling that found the law provides protections for LGBTQ+ people.

She has argued that protecting LGBTQ+ rights is a good way to attract and retain new residents in Michigan, despite sluggish growth of the population and to bring business investment to the state.

Minnesota lawmakers, where Democrats took control of the state earlier this year as well, passed in April a similar ban against conversion therapy. In Arizona, Gov. Katie Hobbs issued a executive order last week that prohibits state agencies using funds to promote conversion therapy.

Human Rights Campaign declared an emergency in May for the LGBTQ+ Community in response to a “unprecedented” and “dangerous” surge in discriminatory laws that have been sweeping through statehouses in this year. This is the first emergency declaration in the 43 year history of HRC.