Biden signs measure to protect LGBTQ rights

WASHINGTON — President Biden signed an executive order this week aimed at protecting LGBTQ people from a cascade of legislation in conservative states that increasingly targets the rights of gays, lesbians, transgender youth and others.

The order is designed to counter efforts by Republican politicians like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has pushed through a measure — called by some the “Don’t Say Gay” law — banning teachers from providing instruction regarding gender identity or sexual orientation.

Other laws passed in conservative states include prohibitions on transgender girls competing in high school sports and efforts to ban the provision of gender-affirming care. White House officials have called the new laws “un-American” and said they are designed to discriminate against families and children based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Biden’s executive order takes direct aim at so-called conversion therapy, a discredited practice in which doctors falsely claim to be able to adjust a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation with treatment. In a ceremony in the East Room packed with LGBTQ supporters, Biden said he was moved to take action to prevent what he called “hateful attacks” by Republican governors and legislatures around the country.

“My order will use the full force of the federal government to prevent inhumane practices of conversion therapy,” Biden said, to loud applause from his supporters. “This is the first time the federal government is leading a coordinated response against this dangerous discredited” practice.

The order will also seek to expand access to suicide prevention and mental health resources for LGBTQ people, White House officials said.