Thursday, March 28, 2024

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs executive order banning conversion therapy funding

June 15, 2021
<p>Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs bipartisan bills extending unemployment benefits to 26 weeks on Oct. 20, 2020. Courtesy photo provided by Michigan Executive Office of the Governor.</p>

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs bipartisan bills extending unemployment benefits to 26 weeks on Oct. 20, 2020. Courtesy photo provided by Michigan Executive Office of the Governor.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Monday afternoon that bans the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) from funding conversion therapy sites in Michigan.

Equality Michigan Executive Director, Erin Knott said Whitmer is a strong advocate for the protection of minors from hate.

"No child should be subjected to the abusive practice of so-called conversion therapy, which sends the harmful message that there is something wrong with who you are," Knott said in a press release. "Luckily, LGBTQ+ kids in Michigan have the support of Governor Whitmer who is doing everything in her power to protect them from this dangerous, fraudulent practice that should never be subsidized with taxpayer dollars."

The executive order states that Michigan is alongside twenty other states across the nation and the District of Columbia that have created a ban on conversion therapy.

"The State of Michigan too has a responsibility to protect LGBTQ+ youth from the harms of conversion therapy and ensure taxpayer dollars are only spent on evidence-based medical and mental health services," the executive order states. "This directive affirms the executive branch’s commitment to supporting the health, safety, and welfare of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ youth."

"Since day one, I have made it clear that hate has no home in Michigan,” Whitmer said in the release. “My administration is committed to addressing the systemic barriers faced by young LGBTQ+ Michiganders so that our state is a place where they are able to reach their full potential. The actions we take today will serve as a starting point in protecting our LGBTQ+ youth from the damaging practice of conversion therapy and in ensuring that Michigan is a reflection of true inclusion."

To view the executive order, click here.

Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.

Discussion

Share and discuss “Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs executive order banning conversion therapy funding” on social media.