LANSING, Mich. (WWJ) -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is taking action to prevent conversion therapy on minors.
The governor on Monday signed an executive order prohibiting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services form using state and federal funds and taxpayer dollars on conversion therapy.
Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, refers to any intervention that attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Officials say it “rests on the false premise that an LGBTQ+ individual’s identity is pathological and must be ‘repaired’ or ‘fixed.’”
Whitmer, joined by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and other medical professionals and representatives from the Ruth Ellis Center, discussed the negative impacts of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ youth and what actions can protect minors from what they call a “harmful practice.”
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Many of the nation’s leading medical and mental health organizations oppose conversion therapy on minors, saying it can lead to significant long-term harm, including anxiety, depression, self-blame and a higher risk of suicide.
"Since day one, I have made it clear that hate has no home in Michigan,” Whitmer said. “My administration is committed to addressing the systemic barriers faced by young LGBTQ+ Michiganders so that our state is a place where they are able to reach their full potential. The actions we take today will serve as a starting point in protecting our LGBTQ+ youth from the damaging practice of conversion therapy and in ensuring that Michigan is a reflection of true inclusion.”
Erin Knott, Executive Director of Equality Michigan, says no child “should be subjected to the abusive practice,” which she says “sends the harmful message that there is something wrong with who you are.”
The governor's full executive directive can bee seen here.