SALT LAKE CITY, UT — (02-06-23) — A deal has been struck by legislatures on a bill that originally sought to dismantle some of Utah’s ban on LGBTQ conversion therapy.
The LGBTQ Conversion Therapy deal revolves around a language change in House Bill 228, but JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics News has confirmed it will preserve the ban on conversion therapy for anyone under 18.
Conversion therapy practice is banned on minors in 25 states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 100 municipalities (mostly located in Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota).
Utah banned LGBTQ conversion therapy in an administrative rule after efforts to pass a law through the legislature failed in 2020. It was the result of a deal at the time between the governor’s office, LGBTQ rights groups and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
However Republicans never ending war on the LGBTQ decided to revisit the ban, raising concerns among Utah’s LGBTQ community members.
Equality Utah confirmed to JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics News that it would support the legislation.
“We’ve had important dialogue and have shared our concerns openly, and for that we are grateful,” said Equality Utah Executive Director Troy Williams in a statement. “The second substitute continues to prohibit the very dangerous practice of conversion therapy for minors, while providing greater clarification for Utah therapists, and accordingly, we support the advancement of HB228 as amended.” said Williams.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Senate President J. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, said he had been briefed on the agreement and was supportive of it.
Governor Spencer Cox was heavily involved in the negotiations on the bill and supported the compromise.
“We appreciate Equality Utah and legislative sponsors working together to find common ground. We’ve encouraged these discussions and support this version of the bill,” said Cox in a statement to the press on Monday.
Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer
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