The Kentucky legislature, which is dominated by Republicans, passed a bill approving the use of conversion therapy on minors, counteracting an executive order by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear that banned state funding for such practices. The bill allows conversion therapy to proceed despite its discrediting by major medical organizations, leading to concerns about its harm to LGBTQ+ youth. Beshear criticized the bill for ignoring the significant risks of conversion therapy, which can lead to increased depression and suicidal thoughts among affected individuals.
"Conversion therapy has been discredited by every major medical organization and significantly increases the chances of suicide in our LGBTQ+ youth," Beshear posted to social media following the bill's passage.
"Kentucky cannot possibly reach its full potential unless it is free from discrimination by or against any citizen - unless all our people feel welcome in our spaces, free from unjust barriers and supported to be themselves," Beshear said.
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