Governor restricts ‘conversion therapy’ for minors

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order aimed at banning “conversion therapy” but said it’s just a start and called on the Legislature to make the ban permanent.

Walz said conversion therapy — the scientifically discredited practice of using therapy to “convert” LGBTQ people to heterosexuality or traditional gender expectations — is a “byzantine, tortuous practice” that’s not supported by any legitimate mental health organization. He said his order empowers state agencies to ensure that no Minnesotans under age 18 are subjected to it, and that insurance companies and state health plans don’t cover it.

“There’s no place for hate in this state, there’s no room for division,” Walz said at a signing ceremony last week just ahead of Pride Weekend.

Minnesota became one of 24 states that, to varying degrees, ban mental health professionals from seeking to change anyone’s sexual orientation.

Junior Avalos, 25, who identifies as nonbinary/queer, said at the ceremony that they hope the order lets LGBTQ young people know “that they get to live their authentic selves without repercussions or fear.” They said they worked a fast food job to pay for conversion therapy when they were 16 and they are healing from the trauma.

“Because everywhere around me, not just from my peers but authority figures that I looked up to, I was being told that there was something wrong with me, that I was broken, that I didn’t deserve to be here,” said Avalos of Minneapolis. “And all I ever wanted was to be accepted.”

Attempts to get a ban through the divided Legislature failed in 2019 amid Republican opposition. Democratic Sen. Scott Dibble, of Minneapolis, said legislation is still necessary to ensure that a future governor doesn’t repeal the ban, and to extend it to Minnesotans of all ages.

Conversion therapy, Dibble said, “happens every single day. There are dozens of providers in the Twin Cities alone that do this.” The senator, who is openly gay, said the order sends a message to young LGBTQ Minnesotans.

“You are perfect,” Dibble said. “You are who you are meant to be. You do not have to change, and please don’t. You are a gift from God. Our state and our world is better because you are part of it. You are a part of us. You are a full member of Minnesota’s family, and beloved.”