With S.B. 16 having been signed into Utah law by Gov. Spencer Cox, banning most gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth, the halt of future legislation targeting LGBTQ+ communities is extremely pressing. Another bill, H.B. 228, sponsored by Rep. Michael Peterson and Sen. Curtis Bramble, would revise certain performative measures for conversion therapy for minors. While banning any physical forms of conversion therapy, the bill would, however, allow talk therapy for minors. This would allow certain healthcare professionals to do things such as discuss “with a minor client’s parent or guardian the mental health or development of a minor client; or [assist] the minor client to understand the medical, social or other implications of decisions related to sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The conservative view that the bill is created to protect freedom of speech for certain medical professionals is dangerous and false. Kids feeling pressure from homophobic parents could be mistreated by their therapists if this law is passed. The law specifically is harmful to minors as their age creates an increasing vulnerability and abides by their parents’ and now therapists’ teachings. The bill is yet another that strips the rights away from a minor, specifically those in the LGBTQ+ community.

History Of Conversion Therapy In Utah

Conversion therapy, or any emotional or physical therapy used to supposedly cure or repair a person’s attraction to the same sex, or their gender identity and expression, was a common practice for decades. Prior to the state-wide ban on conversion therapy for minors, Utah permitted this form of therapy. There are extensive testimonies regarding the mental abuse such individuals endured during this time.

One such individual, Chris Tyler, grew up in Utah at the age when homosexuality was persecuted to the fullest extent. When out of state for educational purposes, Tyler had a sexual encounter with another man. Once his parents found out, they abruptly entered Tyler into a “Reparative Therapy” in Salt Lake City. After dropping out of his university and abiding by his parents’ pressure, Tyler endured multiple physical and mental abuses.

“I was so affected by it,” Tyler said. “I understand now, it’s because it was all a shame, right? It was just horrible, horrible shame.”

Shame is a core theme in all types of conversion therapy for anyone who had to endure it. Although it took decades of political discourse for the ban to occur, all forms of conversion therapy became illegal after the 2020 Utah legislative session. Certain representatives, however, have considered repealing the ban. This is a persistent issue within Utah, and action must be taken for future generations of LGBTQ+ individuals. To end the cycle of trauma and physical and mental abuse towards an individual’s sexual orientation, the ban on all forms of conversion therapy must continue without revision.

Sponsor Response

I reached out to Sen. Peterson and Sen. Bramble regarding the legislation. In a press release, Peterson stated that the bill was merely to clarify the Department of Professional Licensing rulings on therapists discussing sexual identity. 

Bramble, however, declined my interview request as he disagreed with my angle.

While discussing sexuality is important in any therapeutic setting, Troy Williams, with Equality Utah, told KUTV, conversion talk therapy has been “discredited and denounced by every major mental health and medical organization in the country.” Therapists, as well, can have a drastic effect on a patient, particularly if they’re a minor.

Impact on Youth

Along with the passing of S.B. 16 affecting transgender youth, there are many other forms of legislation that target the LGBTQ+ community. S.B. 93 would prohibit any individual under the age of 18 from changing the gender on their birth certificate. S.B. 100 prohibits a school from making changes to a student’s gender identity without a parental consent form. H.B. 228 is another legislative measure that can have dangerous consequences for LGBTQ+ youth.

As previously mentioned in the case of Tyler, parents could manipulate and pressure their children to change their sexuality by therapeutic measures. Children are incredibly vulnerable to their surroundings. The circumstances that transpire when they’re in this certain age of development can create mental health issues in the child as they age. It is of utmost importance to support a child as they try to transition within their sexuality and gender — helping them figure out their individuality creates trust that many LGBTQ+ individuals strive for. Unfortunately, the legislation being generated makes allowing youth to do so increasingly difficult.

Moving Forward 

No form of conversion therapy should be allowed to take place. Any form of revision is dangerous and could affect LGBTQ+ youth facing pressure from homophobic parental control. Despite the previous banning of conversion therapy, with considerations to remove the ban, conversion therapy is still an issue.

To stop continual generational trauma and allow youth to understand sexuality through support, legislation such as H.B. 228 should not be passed. Please contact local officials immediately to discuss the issues within the legislation. Allied communities should contact Equality Utah as well to discuss any support they can give to those vulnerable at this moment.

We need to act now, for the safety and protection of the next generation who seek to understand the full extent of themselves. 

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@KeeganPettersOp