LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On Wednesday, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order banning conversion therapy on minors in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
But what is conversion therapy and how many states have banned the practice?
What is conversion therapy?
The American Medical Association (AMA) defines so-called "conversion therapy" as any form of interventions which attempt to change an individual’s sexual orientation, sexual behaviors or gender identity.
"Underlying these ‘therapies’ is the assumption that homosexuality and gender nonconformity are mental disorders and that sexual orientation and gender identity can be changed," an article from the AMA said. "This assumption is not based on medical or scientific evidence."
They say conversion therapy often includes unethical techniques including electric shock, deprivation of food and liquid, chemically induced nausea and masturbation reconditioning.
Conversion therapy is sometimes performed by clergy or other spiritual advisers. It may include using anti-gay slurs and prayers. In severe cases, it could also include beating, shackling, food deprivation, and even exorcism, according to WebMD.
What are the outcomes?
Experts say the outcomes of conversion therapy are often extremely harmful to those undergoing it and there is no scientific bases showing these "therapies" are successful.
The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ young people, surveyed nearly 35,000 LGBTQ+ youth in 2023.
15% of LGBTQ+ youth reported being threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy. This includes nearly one in five transgender or nonbinary young people and nearly one in 10 cisgender young people.
The same survey showed youth who were subjected to conversion therapy reported more than twice the rate of suicide attempts in the past year compared with those who were not subjected to it.
The AMA says conversion therapy may increase suicidal behaviors and cause significant psychological distress, anxiety, lowered self-esteem, internalized homophobia, self-blame, intrusive imagery and sexual dysfunction.
What do the experts say?
Nearly every major medical, psychiatric, and psychological organization opposes so-called conversion therapy practices, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
State organizations including the Kentucky Psychological Association, the National Association of Social Workers – Kentucky Chapter, the Kentucky Mental Health Coalition, and the Fairness Campaign also oppose the practice.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has opposed so-called conversion therapy since 1997, and a second time in 2009, after conducting a task force report with a systematic review of research on the topic.
"Contrary to claims of sexual orientation change advocates and practitioners, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of psychological interventions to change sexual orientation," chair of the task force Judith M. Glassgold said.
Is it still legal in Kentucky?
On Wednesday, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order banning conversion therapy on minors.
“Kentucky cannot possibly reach its full potential unless it is free from discrimination by or against any citizen – unless all our people feel welcome in our spaces, free from unjust barriers and supported to be themselves,” he said. “Conversion therapy has no basis in medicine or science, and it can cause significant long-term harm to our kids, including increased rates of suicide and depression. This is about protecting our youth from an inhumane practice that hurts them.”
Kentucky Rep. Lisa Willner, has sponsored bills to ban so-called "conversion therapy" every year since she joined the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2019.
“Every Kentuckian has value, regardless of who they are or who they love," she said in January of this year after sponsoring another bill. "The state has a responsibility to protect young people from the dangerous and discredited practice of ‘conversion therapy,’ and the significant harm that it inflicts. Young people subjected to these practices are at triple the risk of suicidality of those who are not. Many go on to endure self-harm, substance abuse, and other mental health symptoms as well.”
Louisville Metro Council made conversion therapy against minors illegal in Louisville in 2019.
Louisville is the second Kentucky city to ban conversion therapy. Covington passed a similar ordinance also in 2019.
According to Born Perfect, a program created by the National Center for Lesbian Rights to end "conversion therapy", the practice has been banned in 22 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 115 municipalities within the United States.
“The KY Mental Health Coalition applauds Gov. Andy Beshear for issuing this executive order against conversion therapy," executive director of the KY Mental Health Coalition Sheila Schuster said. "It is strong action that affirms our youth and protects them from this harm.”
Not everyone in the Commonwealth reacted favorably to Beshear's order.
The Family Foundation, a Kentucky-based organization that proclaims to stand for "Kentucky families and the Biblical values that make them strong by advocating for God-honoring public policy" condemned the move.
"Gov. Beshear’s executive order is an unlawful action that will hurt children, trample the fundamental rights of Kentucky parents, and suppress free religious expression. This order, like previous failed legislative efforts, is designed to promote false LGBTQ ideologies and muzzle Christian counselors, therapists, and pastors from helping children struggling with sexual orientation or gender identity confusion," executive director David Walls said in a statement. "Kentucky parents and their children should be free to seek the faith-based counseling on sexuality and identity issues that they need. The Christian message on sexuality and human dignity is not harmful, it is life-brining."
