Michigan bans use of conversion therapy on LGBTQ youth under measure signed by governor

By JOEY CAPPELLETTI
Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation Wednesday that prohibits mental health professionals from using so-called conversion therapy on LGBTQ minors. Michigan becomes the 22nd state to implement the ban on conversion therapy. That was defined by lawmakers as any practice or treatment by a mental health professional that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. But it does not include counseling to assist people undergoing a gender transition. The Democratic governor said banning what she called the “horrific practice,” of conversion therapy was necessary to making Michigan a place “where you can be who you are.”