Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order on Thursday banning the use of conversion therapy within the state after the Minnesota senate attempted to do the same thing with a bill that did not pass.
Walz was joined at the presser by Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan as well as several other advocates.
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"It's way too quiet for a joyous day," Walz said as he walked out to loud applause from the group gathered at the state capitol.
Walz opened up the press conference by sharing that today is a day of celebration.
"This is a day that Minnesota says bring your authentic self; you'll be seen, heard, valued, and loved in this state," Walz said. "We want you to be whoever you are."
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Walz acknowledged that this was a simple statement and that now this outdated disproven practice will no longer be allowed within the state.
"I want to be clear we're here today to sign an executive order banning the discredited byzantine and quite honestly very harmful practice of conversion therapy,” he said. “The idea that we would change someone's basic who they are through practices that is not supported by any legitimate organizations [is wrong]."
The real goal, he added, is to get the practice banned through the legislature, but for now, he sees this as a first step at protecting the state's youth and most vulnerable.
Multiple people spoke alongside Walz; Junior Aldos spoke about going through conversion therapy himself. He shared that at the age of 16, he put himself into conversion therapy in order to "fix himself."
Now, at 25 he says that he could not see himself at this age when he was younger.
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The practice will not be allowed within the state under Executive Order 21-25 signed by Gov. Walz.
"It's done," Walz said after signing the order, again met with thunderous applause.
"This executive order takes us one step closer, and I would say Minnesota is a little more welcoming and a little more joyous today because of the work that everyone's done," he said. "So I just want again to say thank you to all of you. I know there's a lot more work to be done."
Walz discussed the possibility of the order being removed if he is not reelected for another term.
"I do worry about this," Walz said. "It could change in 16 months."
However, Walz said he's hopeful that the order will be kept in place as the world continues to change.
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While the executive order is a step in the right direction, more work can be done if a bill is passed through legislation, experts added.