'It's disgusting': LGBTQ advocates react to suspension on conversion therapy ban

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Republican-led committee voted to suspend Wisconsin's conversion therapy ban. 

The practice allows social workers and therapists in Wisconsin to once again try to change a person's sexual orientation. 

Republicans on the committee argue they had to act after the state licensing board enacted their own rule to prohibit the practice without their approval. 

Democrats and LGBTQ advocates called the move harmful and dangerous, citing research that suggests conversion therapy can increase the risk of depression and suicide.

"It's disgusting," Courage MKE Executive Director Brad Schlaikowski said.

Schlaikowski, an LGBTQ advocate in Milwaukee, is questioning the Republican leaders who voted to suspend the ban. 

"Where's your humanity?" Schlaikowski asked. 

Wisconsin's ban on conversion therapy first passed in 2020. 

This is the second time a committee temporarily blocked the rule.

"I was very disappointed that the committee decided to substitute its judgement for that of expert therapists around the state," Sen. Kelda Roys, a democrat on the committee, said.

Milwaukee is one of 14 cities in Wisconsin to adopt its own conversion therapy ban. The 2018 city ordinance remains in effect. 

"When a community says hey, whoever you are, you matter, we value you and you can be who you are and still have a life here, that's a really important message to send," Roys said.

Schlaikowski said the suspension feels like the state is moving backwards in protecting LGBTQ rights.

"We fought these battles tens of years ago, right? Why are we fighting these now in 2023?" Schlaikowski said.

The suspension will last through the end of the legislative session.