Governor Beshear bans conversion therapy in Kentucky, local organization responds

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is banning the use of conversion therapy on minors in the commonwealth.

Signing an executive order on Wednesday, the governor calls it a necessary step to protect children from a widely discredited practice that tries to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through counseling.

The order bans the practice and makes it illegal to use state or federal funds to provide the therapy to minors.

We spoke to a representative from SOKY Alliance, who tells us this is a major win for those in the commonwealth.

“Not only was it just such a protective move for our children, it was such a strong message of affirmation and support for our youth. I just know any LGBTQ youth who are watching that just felt you are seen and you are loved exactly as who you are,” director Crystal Akers says.

The governor used executive powers after efforts to enact a law banning the practice repeatedly failed in the state’s Republican-dominated legislature.