Walz signs order restricting ‘conversion therapy’ for minors
July 15, 2021 1:57PM CDT
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks from the Governor’s Reception room at the State Capitol, to discuss the latest steps in his response to COVID-19, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, in St. Paul, Minn. (Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool)
By STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order aimed at banning so-called conversion therapy.
But he says it’s just a start and called on the Legislature Thursday to make it permanent. Minnesota is now one of about 24 states that restrict mental health professionals from seeking to change a person’s sexual orientation.
Eleven Minnesota cities already have bans, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester and Duluth. His order empowers state agencies to ensure that no Minnesotans under age 18 are subjected to it. The Minnesota Family Council calls the order “executive overreach” and an attack on the constitutional rights of patients, families, and therapists.
