Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a law that prevents mental health professionals from encouraging children to embrace their biological sex.
In a recent statement, Governor Whitmer applauded the state’s efforts to ban so-called “conversion therapy.” Whitmer, who has a daughter that identifies as a member of the LGBT community, called the act of conversion therapy a “horrific practice.”
“Today, we are banning the horrific practice of conversion therapy in Michigan and ensuring this is a state where you can be who you are,” she stated. “I am grateful that we are taking action to make Michigan a more welcoming, inclusive place.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
However, the term “conversion therapy” is being misrepresented in an attempt to associate the term with historical practices that were traumatic and unethical, despite the current context differing significantly.
According to the new Michigan law, conversion therapy is defined as “Any practice or treatment by a mental health professional that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including, but not limited to, efforts to change behavior or gender expression or to reduce or eliminate sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward an individual of the same gender.”
With the inclusion of the term “gender identity,” Michigan is saying that mental health professionals must affirm a child who identifies as the opposite sex. This professional may not tell the child to embrace and accept their biological sex.
The role of a mental health professional is not to validate and affirm practices that negatively affect the patient’s well-being. Because of this, it is not advantageous for a mental health professional to endorse a child’s gender dysphoria. Michigan’s new law hinders confused, young children from obtaining the necessary phycological treatment they need.
State Representative Donni Steele voiced criticism of the new law, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in deciding a child’s mental health treatment.
“I cannot in good faith vote for misguided legislation that potentially harms our children,” Steele said. “Kids should not be expected to make such difficult decisions. The child’s parents, in consultation with qualified medical professionals, are better qualified to make important decisions regarding a child’s development – not lawmakers in Lansing.”
