Kentucky Governor bans conversion therapy

CW/TW: This article mentions su●c●de.

Ban in line with growing rejection of the technique

Kentucky Governor Beshear’s decision to ban conversion therapy aligns Kentucky with a national trend: the increasing recognition that conversion therapy causes more harm than good. While some states, largely divided along political or religious lines, have clung to the idea that LGBTQ+ identities can and should be “corrected,” an overwhelming body of research refutes this. Conversion therapy is now widely recognized as a form of psychological abuse. LGBTQ+ youth subjected to it are nearly three times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers​¹.

By banning conversion therapy, Kentucky acknowledges that sexual orientation and gender identity are not issues to be “fixed,” but rather aspects of humanity that should be accepted and celebrated. Beshear’s executive order also makes it illegal to use state or federal funds for conversion therapy and empowers licensing boards to take disciplinary actions against practitioners who violate the ban​².

Bipartisan Understanding of Trauma

Kentucky’s ban also highlights a bipartisan shift in how LGBTQ+ issues are being addressed. Beshear’s executive action signals that even in more conservative regions, there is a growing recognition of the human rights involved in protecting LGBTQ+ youth from abusive practices. The statement from the governor’s office was clear: “Conversion therapy has no basis in medicine or science, and it can cause significant long-term harm to our kids.” This reflects a changing political climate where mental health, safety, and respect are transcending partisan divides​.

Kentucky’s Ban as a National Example

This executive order comes at a time when more voices are calling for a national ban on conversion therapy. Organizations like the United Nations, which has labeled the practice as harmful and dangerous, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) are pushing for Congress to enact a federal ban​³. These calls have gained traction as more states pass their own bans, but a unified federal law would provide consistent protections across the country. Kentucky’s decision adds momentum to the growing movement for national change, as advocates push for federal action.

The evidence is clear: conversion therapy is both ineffective and harmful^{4 5}. The national movement to ban it is gaining ground, and Kentucky’s leadership could serve as a model for other states still grappling with LGBTQ+ protections.

A Call for National Action

As more states like Kentucky repudiate conversion therapy, pressure is mounting on federal lawmakers to pass a nationwide ban. A patchwork of state laws leaves many LGBTQ+ youth vulnerable, particularly in areas where protections are weaker. A federal ban would provide uniform protection, ensuring that all young people—no matter where they live—are free from the trauma of conversion therapy.

Governor Beshear’s bold stance against this harmful practice signals a shift in how we view LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. His executive order is a powerful reminder that when it comes to protecting vulnerable youth, there is no room for harmful, outdated ideologies.

The Takeaway

Kentucky’s executive order banning conversion therapy highlights the growing understanding across political divides that this harmful practice causes lasting trauma and offers no legitimate benefit. Governor Beshear’s decisive action, along with mounting national and international pressure from organizations like the United Nations and the Human Rights Campaign, reflects a broader rejection of conversion therapy and a shift toward protecting LGBTQ+ youth from abuse.

This moment signifies the increasing bipartisan acknowledgment that conversion therapy is not only ineffective but also deeply harmful. As calls for a national ban continue to grow, Kentucky’s ban serves as both a moral victory and a call for further federal protections to ensure all LGBTQ+ youth across the country are safeguarded from this practice.

1. https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2020/07/conversion-therapy-can-amount-torture-and-should-be-banned-says-un-expert ↩︎
2. https://nkytribune.com/2024/09/beshears-executive-order-banning-conversion-therapy-on-minors-meets-with-opposition/ ↩︎
3. https://www.hrc.org/news?topic=conversion-therapy ↩︎
4. https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/About-APA/Organization-Documents-Policies/Policies/Position-Conversion-Therapy.pdf ↩︎
5. https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/conversion-therapy-issue-brief.pdf ↩︎