Potential conversion therapy ban in Michigan receives mixed testimony
Doctors and lawmakers gave testimony before a state Senate panel on Tuesday in support of legislation to ban conversion therapy on minors in Michigan, which was met with concerns from other legislators and organizations.
Under Senate Bills 348 and 349, licensed health professionals that attempt to coerce those below the age of 18 out of their gender expression or sexuality in order to conform with heterosexuality would be subject to losing their license. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) is the lead sponsor for both bills.
Lawmakers heard input about the bills in the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee. The legislators on the Senate panel did not vote to move the legislation out of committee on Tuesday.
Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield), who is sponsoring the House’s version of the bills, talked about the importance of acceptance in a child’s life.
Hoskins said some parents might be inclined to pursue conversion therapy for their child due to the fear that their child might face discrimination or violence for being different, but there is no “cure” to being gay as it isn’t an illness.
https://michiganadvance.com/2023/06/06/potential-conversion-therapy-ban-in-michigan-receives-mixed-testimony/