FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has officially banned conversion therapy in the state, signing an executive order that prohibits the controversial practice known for attempting to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This significant move comes after years of advocacy against the therapy, particularly when used on minors. The executive order restricts the use of state or federal funds for conversion therapy on minors and empowers licensing boards to discipline practitioners who violate the ban. “This ban has been years in the making,” Governor Beshear stated during the signing ceremony. Dr. Eric Russ from the Kentucky Psychological Association highlighted the detrimental effects of conversion therapy, noting, “The kids that go through this so-called treatment actually come out doing worse than when they started. We see increased rates of suicidal thinking, increased rates of dying by suicide for folks who have gone through these treatments.” Zach Meiners, who underwent conversion therapy at 14, told ABC 36 News, “I didn’t know what the term conversion therapy was, I just thought I was going to therapy.” He has since produced a documentary titled “Conversion” to raise awareness about the harms of the practice. However, not everyone supports the ban. Nick Spencer, Director of Policy with the Family Foundation of Kentucky, expressed concerns about the potential implications for religious liberty, stating, “The executive order doesn’t go there but the door is certainly now open with this executive order, to really go after anybody who counsels contrary to more progressive ideologies.” Governor Beshear, reflecting on his faith during the ceremony, emphasized, “My faith teaches me that all children are children of God and where practices are endangering and even harming those children, we must act.” The new policy marks a pivotal change in Kentucky’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights and mental health, setting a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues. Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: Ban, Beshear, conversion therapy, Executive Order, gender identity, Kentucky, LGBTQ, local news, News, sexual orientation