ST. GEORGE — Utah is the first in the country to ban conversion therapy in both chambers of the Legislature unanimously.
Katie Methe, the new executive director of Pride of Southern Utah, told St. George News, the legislation is an important step in continuing to affirm folks of all gender identities within the state of Utah.
“We’re extremely thankful to all of the individuals who worked tirelessly to achieve this result,” Methe said. “We celebrate now while keeping in mind that we still have a long way to go in terms of a truly level playing field for our community,”
Equality Utah Executive Director Troy Williams said in an email to St. George News the bill had bipartisan support. The unprofessional conduct amendments bill, designated HB 228 in the 2023 Utah Legislature, updates a 2020 bill that banned conversion therapy. The 2020 version halted the practice via an administrative rule change through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Williams said the new bill offers minors more protection.
“The new law is a robust prohibition on conversion therapy for minors while also clarifying what therapists can say to assist their clients,” Williams said.
The 2020 legislation bars therapists from trying to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of a client younger than 18. A state-licensed therapist violating this rule could face sanctions for unprofessional conduct. Williams said mental health professionals can now provide care in a “neutral” way to assist minors seeking information about sexual orientation or gender identity through the new legislation.
“Stakeholders from all sides came together, listened to each other and found common ground,” Williams said. “We are thankful to lawmakers from both parties who helped shepherd this historic vote.”
Encircle House in St. George applauded the legislation. Jordan Sgro, interim executive director of Encircle, said their goal is to make mental health services as accessible as possible for the LGBTQ+ community.
“The passing of HB 228 will ensure protection for these vulnerable youth who are facing increasing challenges in their homes and communities,” Sgro told St. George News. “This ban shows that lawmakers have taken a step to ensure that the destructive and harmful practice of conversion therapy is no longer a threat.”
Encircle House offers activities and therapists by providing ethical and affordable mental health care for LGBTQ+ people and families.
“We believe that LGBTQ+ youth should receive quality and compassionate care from professionals who wholly validate and understand the diverse experiences of this community,” Sgro said.
Williams said the new legislation is a model for the nation of both parties working together. He also thanked the public who contacted their legislators and shared their stories.
“Your voice made a difference. LGBTQ youth are safer today in Utah because of the passage of HB 228,” Williams said.
A study at Cornell University states, “There is no credible evidence that sexual orientation can be changed through therapeutic intervention. Most accounts of such change are akin to instances of “faith healing.” There is also powerful evidence that trying to change a person’s sexual orientation can be extremely harmful. “
The study further stated that “the overwhelming consensus among psychologists and psychiatrists who have studied conversion therapy or treated patients who are struggling with their sexual orientation is that therapeutic intervention cannot change sexual orientation, a position echoed by all major professional organizations in the field, including the American Psychological Association.”
Check out all of St. George News’ coverage of the 2023 Utah Legislature here.
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