Conversion therapy ban proposal draws fire
Mormon church decides to oppose measure in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY — A proposed ban on so-called conversion therapy in Utah is in danger of being derailed after the influential Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints came out Tuesday night in opposition, just months after it said it wouldn’t stand in the way of a similar measure under consideration.
The church said in a statement that the regulatory rule prohibiting Utah psychologists from engaging in the discredited practice with LGBTQ minors would fail to safeguard religious beliefs and doesn’t account for “important realities of gender identity in the development of children.”
State regulators crafted the rule at the request of Republican Gov. Gary Herbert, a member of the church, who in June asked for a set of rules after a similar bill died in the Legislature despite the church not taking a position.
The church’s statement strikes a blow to the hopes of LGBTQ advocates who hope Utah will join 18 states that have enacted laws banning or restricting the practice.
Justin Utley, a former member of the faith who says he was sent through harmful conversion therapy by the church’s therapy services years ago, called the church’s position disheartening.
“It’s a fear tactic, and it’s a control tactic,” said Utley, now 42, who attempted suicide after his sessions. “They have once again interjected themselves in a discussion that they have no business being involved in. This is about mental health; it’s not about getting an exemption for mistreating people.”
The faith widely known as the Mormon church accounts for nearly two-thirds of the state’s residents, and nearly every state lawmaker. It’s unknown how the church’s position will impact the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing’s pending decision. The agency has said the rule could go into effect as early as next week.
The division didn’t immediately respond to inquiries Wednesday.
Troy Williams, executive director of the LGBTQ rights group Equality Utah, said he is surprised by the church’s stance since the rule was already revised to align with the failed legislation. His group is reaching out the church to see if more changes could be made to address its concerns while keeping the substance intact.
The church said it denounces any “abusive” treatment and that it “hopes that those who experience same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria find compassion and understanding from family members.”