Jan. 22, 2020 — Utah has banned the discredited practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ children.
It’s the 19th state and one of the most conservative to outlaw the practice that seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, the Associated Press reported.
The ban in Utah could give support to people challenging the practice in other right-leaning states, according to Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
“It’s really given people a lot of hope,” Minter told the AP.
The group has pushed for bans on conversion therapy nationwide. Virginia is considering a ban, and the issue may come up this year in Texas and Kentucky, Minter said.