LANSING, Mich., July 27, 2023 — House Bills 4616 and 4617 were signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer yesterday. These bills would prohibit mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with a minor and ban any practice or treatments by licensed mental health professionals who seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Twp.) issued the following statement after the bills became law:
“After many attempts to get this legislation on the books, I can proudly say that the practice of conversion therapy on minors is now illegal in the state of Michigan — and considering all the anti-gay and anti-trans rhetoric going on, this law comes at an especially necessary moment. As a clinical psychologist, I recognize the severe implications behind conversion therapy and understand how harmful the practice can be on the mental health of our children. With the stroke of the governor’s pen, these bills became law and will continue to promote efforts toward a healthier Michigan. Banning such an adverse and outdated practice is a great step toward continuing to affirm Michigan’s protections for individual identity and self expression.”