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FRANKFORT, Ky. — Recently, Kentucky’s Republican legislators enacted a controversial law that codifies the provision of conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth while simultaneously prohibiting Medicaid funds from being allocated for gender-affirming health care for transgender individuals in the state.
The legislation was narrowly passed late Friday, just before a midnight deadline. This timing was critical for the Republican supermajority to ensure they maintain the capability to override any vetoes from the governor. The bill, which initially originated in the Senate, included provisions that disallow Medicaid funding for gender-affirming treatments and was subsequently accepted by the House.
Conversion therapy remains a widely discredited practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity to conform to traditional norms.
Republican lawmakers moved to roll back restrictions put in place by Democratic Governor Andy Beshear last year, who had issued an executive order against the use of tax dollars for conversion therapy on minors, citing it was essential for the protection of children. His order also urged licensing boards to implement strict policies against practitioners of conversion therapy targeting minors.
Despite the pushback from Governor Beshear, the recent measure was approved by both chambers of the legislature with enough votes to override a veto. The legislators are expected to address potential vetoes as they conclude their session at the end of March.
Chris Hartman, the executive director of the Fairness Campaign—an LGBTQ+ advocacy group based in Kentucky—deemed this new legislation as one of the most “shameful” moves in the state’s history. Furthermore, Democratic Representative Lisa Willner has criticized conversion therapy as “discredited, dangerous, suicide-promoting practices.”
On the other hand, David Walls, executive director of The Family Foundation, a socially conservative organization, defended the legislation as a necessary response to Governor Beshear’s previous executive measures, framing it as a preservation of free speech and religious liberties.
During the bill’s passage, many Republican lawmakers remained reticent, assured they had sufficient votes for approval. The lead sponsor, GOP Representative David Hale, asserted that families should have choices regarding mental health care, claiming the legislation protects mental health professionals and ministries from discrimination in their counseling practices.
This development in Kentucky takes place against the backdrop of a larger national conversation regarding LGBTQ+ rights. The Supreme Court of the United States is set to review a case out of Colorado that may influence whether state and local governments can enforce bans on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors.
Governor Beshear, who is also viewed as a potential presidential candidate for 2028, fiercely criticized the new legislation, characterizing it as harmful. He highlighted that conversion therapy has been disavowed by leading medical organizations, stating, “It significantly increases the chances of suicide amongst our LGBTQ+ youth. It is equivalent to torture, and we should not allow it to occur in our commonwealth.”
On the topic of Medicaid provisions in the bill, Beshear mentioned that healthcare decisions should strictly be within the purview of medical experts, remarking, “We don’t determine someone’s health care based on the politics of the day.”
Additionally, House Republicans finalized a separate measure aimed at the state’s small population of transgender inmates, which prohibits access to gender-affirming health care. Proponents of this measure argue that it distinguishes between essential medical care and elective procedures, suggesting that inmates would still receive medical attention for legitimate health issues but not funding for what they label as optional gender transition treatments.
Walls condemned the idea of taxpayer-funded gender transition treatments for individuals convicted of crimes, labeling it as “outrageous.” Conversely, Hartman argued that denying prescribed medications to transgender inmates under the pretext of fiscal responsibility is inhumane and unconstitutional.
In a concluding speech during the House debate, Democratic Representative Sarah Stalker expressed disappointment, suggesting that legislators should prioritize discussions on pressing issues such as jobs, healthcare, public education, and affordable housing instead of focusing on marginalized populations.
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abcnews.go.com