Kentucky Governor Bans ‘Conversion Therapy’ in Executive Order

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear banned the use of “conversion therapy” on minors in Kentucky on Wednesday, calling his executive order a necessary step to protect children from a widely discredited practice that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through counseling.

The governor took action using his executive powers after efforts to pass a law banning the practice repeatedly failed in the Republican-dominated state legislature. Beshear signed the executive order during a ceremony at the Statehouse attended by LGBTQ+ rights activists.

“Let’s be clear: conversion therapy has no basis in medicine or science, and it has been shown to increase rates of suicide and depression,” Beshear said in a statement. “This is about doing what’s right and protecting our children. Hate is not who we are as Kentuckians.”

The executive order signed by Beshear bans the practice and makes it illegal to use state or federal funds to provide therapy to minors. It also gives the state licensing board the authority to take action against anyone found to be practicing conversion therapy on minors, and gives the board the authority to take disciplinary action against anyone who violates the order.

This type of therapy has been discredited and opposed by the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association, among others, citing research that shows it increases the risk of suicide and depression.

At least 23 states and the District of Columbia ban conversion therapy on minors, Beshear’s office said.

Chris Hartman, executive director of the Fairness Campaign, praised Beshear for taking “bold and necessary action to protect LGBTQ youth in Kentucky from the harmful practice of conversion therapy.”

“Today, Governor Beshear sends a clear message to all Kentucky LGBTQ kids and their families – you are perfect just the way you are,” Hartman said.