The Wisconsin Assembly Republicans voted on Tuesday to continue allowing therapists and other practitioners to attempt to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, a practice known as conversion therapy. The state’s Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board had banned the practice in December 2020, but the Legislature’s Republican-controlled rules committee voted to temporarily suspend the ban.
A bill was brought to the Assembly floor on Tuesday that would prohibit the board from enacting any future conversion therapy bans. However, the GOP opted not to vote on the bill out of concerns that Democratic Governor Tony Evers would veto it. Instead, the chamber voted 61-35 to place the bill in committee, which ensures that the rules committee’s decision to allow conversion therapy will stand until the current legislative session ends in 2024.
Conversion therapy for minors has already been banned in over a dozen Wisconsin cities, and at least 20 states and the District of Columbia have outlawed conversion therapy for minors. Despite this, Wisconsin Assembly Republicans have been attempting to prevent a state-wide ban on conversion therapy.
LGBTQ rights advocates have condemned conversion therapy as a harmful and scientifically discredited practice. Research suggests that attempting to “convert” LGBTQ individuals to heterosexuality and traditional gender expectations can increase the risk of suicide and depression. Despite the mounting evidence against conversion therapy, the Wisconsin Assembly Republicans have decided to uphold the practice, putting the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ individuals at risk.
