From WDIO-TV - July 15, 2021

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed an executive order limiting conversion therapy in Minnesota.

Conversion therapy, sometimes called reparative therapy, is the practice of counseling people in an effort to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. The American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Education Association say conversion therapy has harmful effects on the long-term mental health of LGBTQ+ youth.

Walz's action Thursday orders the state health and commerce departments to restrict health insurance coverage of conversion therapy, and orders the Department of Human Services not to pay for conversion therapy services.

According to a news release, the order also calls on the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to "investigate and pursue civil enforcement actions against health care providers who are engaged in discriminatory practices related to conversion therapy." It also calls on the health department to prepare a report on the public health impacts of conversion therapy.

Walz took the executive action after a bill to limit the practice failed to get through the Republican-controlled Minnesota Senate.

"Our kids deserve to grow up in a state that values them for who they are – not one that tries to change them," Walz said in a news release.

"This Executive Order aims to protect young and vulnerable Minnesotans from the cruel and discredited practice of conversion therapy and affirms that the LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of One Minnesota. This is not the end of our work to see this practice become a thing of the past. We will continue to fight for love over hate every single day," Walz said.

Some cities, including Duluth, have already banned the practice.

A group called Family Equity says 20 states ban conversion therapy for minors and four others, including Wisconsin and Michigan, partially ban the practice.

To see the original post and read related reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/politics-news/walz-executive-order-limiting-conversion-therapy/6172179/