Michigan Continues Ban on Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ Minors
In a significant legal decision, a federal judge has denied a request to suspend the Michigan law prohibiting conversion therapy for LGBTQ minors, a practice widely criticized and deemed harmful.
A Catholic charity had challenged the law, arguing that it infringes on due process, free speech, and religious freedoms. However, U.S. District Court Judge Jane Beckering affirmed states’ authority to regulate licensed professional practices, stating, “The United States Supreme Court has long recognized that States have broad power to regulate the practice of licensed professionals within their boundaries.”
The judge’s preliminary ruling emphasized the critical role mental health professionals play and the trust they hold with minor clients. Beckering noted, “In passing the new law, Michigan legislators found that treating children with conversion therapy fell below prevailing standards of care, and Michigan legislators targeted the specific and devastating harms to children that result from conversion therapy, including dramatically increased risks of depression and suicide.”
Conversion therapy, described as a pseudoscientific practice, aims to alter a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The ruling specifically pertains to minors, leaving adults free to pursue this controversial and discredited treatment if they choose.
Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale Counties has yet to comment on whether they will appeal the decision.
University of Michigan psychology professor Craig Rodriguez-Seijas remarked on the profession’s stance, stating, “It comes from this premise that sexual orientation or gender identity needs to be changed. There’s some right or wrong way.” He further explained, “That’s not the case. This has existed for the longest time. There is variability in sexuality and gender identity and that’s just the way things are.” He criticized the notion that clients should seek change, saying it “really doesn’t help.”
Michigan’s law, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2023, aligns with legislation in 20 other states and the District of Columbia. Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed support for the court’s decision, stating, “States have a duty to shield their residents, especially kids, from treatments proven to cause devastating harm, and I am glad the Court denied this request to block the enforcement of this critical law. My office will continue to work to dismiss this lawsuit to protect Michigan’s youth.”
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