(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – In an attempt to score political points with his base ahead of the elections, Kentucky Democrat Governor Andy Beshear recently banned “conversion therapy” for minors.
He issued an executive order that prohibits the use of state or federal funds for such practices.
Claiming to prevent “significant long-term harm to our kids,” the order does not extend to banning sex change treatments for minors.
The governor’s directive empowers licensing boards to take disciplinary action against any licensee caught providing conversion therapy to a minor.
This move comes after Beshear vetoed a 2023 bill that sought to ban sex changes for minors, a decision that was later overturned by the state legislature.
Beshear explained his rationale in a press release: “Kentucky cannot possibly reach its full potential unless it is free from discrimination by or against any citizen – unless all our people feel welcome in our spaces, free from unjust barriers and supported to be themselves.”
As defined in the order, conversion therapy is a clinical practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Although Louisville banned this practice back in 2020, Beshear’s order extends the prohibition across the entire state.
Family Foundation executive director David Walls criticized the order: “Ultimately, this is about muzzling Christian counselors and even pastors from helping children struggling with sexual orientation or gender identity issues.”
“We continue to believe that parents and their children should be free to seek counseling that they desire to seek, including faith-based counseling,” he argued.
While the order bans conversion therapy, it still allows minors to receive sex change treatments.
Beshear defends this stance by citing Kentucky law, which emphasizes the importance of children as a vital resource and the central role of families in society.
He argues that conversion therapy, or reparative therapy, poses dangers to LGBT minors.
However, some legal challenges are emerging. Northern Kentucky attorney Chris Wiest, who is involved in a lawsuit against the order, criticized the governor’s approach.
“He can’t just issue an executive order and prescribe law. This is really basic Con Law 101 stuff, and I think the governor knows it, frankly. He’s not stupid, but he gets the headlines and he excites the base,” Wiest remarked.
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