Republicans lift 'conversion therapy' ban aimed at changing sexual orientations

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – Social workers and therapists in Wisconsin can again try to change a person’s sexual orientation -- a practice known as conversion therapy -- after a Republican-led committee voted to lift a statewide ban.

On Thursday, Jan. 12, the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) voted along party lines to (6-4) to resume the controversial practice to allow licensed therapists to try and convert LGBTQ individuals to their sex at birth.

The move puts an end to a more than two-year battle at the state Capitol over the conversion therapy after failed attempts by lawmakers to ban or legalize it.

Republicans suspended the rule after the state Department of Safety and Professional Services board that manages licenses for social workers, therapists, and counselors acted to ban conversion therapy in 2020.

Democrats and LGBTQ advocates denounced the vote calling in harmful and dangerous citing research that suggest the practice can increase risk of depression and suicide.

“Some unwitting person sends their adolescent, who is suffering from depression to a counselor thinking they are going to help them and instead their young person is being abused and subjected to something that no responsible medical professional could call treatment," said Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison).

Rep. Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee) and Sen. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater), the co-chairs of JCRAR, defended the committee’s actions arguing the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Work Examining Board at DSPS had no authority to implement a ban without legislative approval.

"These actions prevent overreach by the state’s executive agencies, whose role is to administer state law, not create new policy that goes beyond legislative intent," Neylon said in a statement."

Nass said if the committee didn't lift the rule, "this could go on for other policies in the future setting a precedent and I don't know where it will stop."

A handful of LGBTQ advocates expressed outrage when testifying before lawmakers.

"As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am outraged and sick to my stomach that a proposal such as this would even be considered in the year 2023," said Matthew Lehner, an LGBTQ advocate from Eau Claire. "We're talking about direct harm to youth and LGBTQ+ people…it's not the right thing to do."

At least 20 states have outlawed conversion therapy for minors and more than a dozen Wisconsin cities including Madison, Milwaukee, West Allis, Glendale, Racine and Sheboygan.

Legalizing conversion therapy statewide will not impact city ordinances, according to local officials.