You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

Skip to main
Press

Utah to become the 19th state to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangers of conversion therapy

BY: Kinzi Sparks
Violet Purple Gradient

Advocates from across Utah have fought tirelessly to end the dangerous practice of conversion therapy. Tonight, that work culminated in Governor Herbert’s announcement that the state will propose an administrative rule identical to legislation introduced this year to prohibit licensed professionals from practicing conversion therapy on minors. This announcement follows an extensive deliberation by the state’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). This is historic progress and further proof that the protection of LGBTQ youth transcends regional or political divides. When these protections go into effect in January, Utah will join 18 other states, the District of Columbia, and dozens of cities and counties in restricting this discredited practice.

“The Trevor Project congratulates our friends at Equality Utah and all the advocates who have worked tirelessly to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangers of conversion therapy in Utah. As a survivor of conversion therapy, I am tremendously encouraged to see Utah on the road to becoming the 19th state to protect LGBTQ youth from this discredited practice,” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. “The rules put forward today by the Governor will protect thousands of young people in Utah, and galvanize momentum to protect youth across the country. Our research shows that one accepting adult in the life of an  LGBTQ young person made them significantly less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year. Knowing that their state government has their back will literally save lives.”

The Trevor Project’s 50 Bills 50 States campaign has partnered with the Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Equality Utah, along with local advocates in support of these vital protections.

“Today, Utah’s Governor Herbert and the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing have issued a new statewide rule to protect minors from conversion therapy—the dangerous, discredited practice to “cure” LGBTQ clients,” said Troy Williams, Executive Director of Equality Utah.“We are profoundly grateful to the Herbert Administration for the thoughtful and meticulous manner in which they have worked to protect LGBTQ youth.  This summer, Governor Herbert declared that science would prevail over politics, and he has kept his word. Today, Utah is a safer state for our youth to live and thrive”

As we continue to make progress across the nation, we must remember that there are still 31 states where this harmful practice has not been outlawed for minors. To do that, we need your help. Please join the effort to end this practice across the nation here:

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/advocacy/

Read more from
Press

Tangerine Canary Gradient
Press

New Hampshire House of Representatives Passes Legislation to Protect LGBTQ Youth from Conversion Therapy

*****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****** New Hampshire took a huge leap closer to becoming the first state in 2018 to protect LGBTQ youth by banning the practice of conversion therapy. Today’s reconsideration comes after the House failed to pass these protections a few weeks ago by a single vote. Today the measure was passed with a vote of 179 to 171. Conversion therapy is discredited by every major mental health organization yet new research by the Williams Institute found that over 350,000 LGBTQ youth have been put into conversion therapy and 20,000 LGBTQ youth are STILL at risk of being put into…
Tangerine Violet Gradient
Press

The Trevor Project Opposes Anti-Transgender Medical Care Ban in Tennessee

The bill would prohibit doctors from providing best-practice medical care to transgender and nonbinary youth January 31, 2023 — The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people, expressed opposition to a bill introduced in the Tennessee House of Representatives, HB1, which would ban doctors from providing best-practice medical care to transgender and nonbinary youth. “Doctors — not politicians — should be in charge of making medical decisions,” said Kasey Suffredini (he/him), Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs at The Trevor Project. “Doctors should be allowed to follow the…