Wolf signs executive order discouraging LGBTQ conversion therapy

Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday used his pen to strip funding towards a controversial practice that is typically used on LGBTQ youth.

Wolf signed an executive order directing state agencies to discourage the use of conversion therapy.

Conversion therapy is a controversial practice of attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It has been widely condemned by doctors and mental health professionals.

The practice has been banned in 20 states and over 100 municipalities across the country, including several in Pennsylvania. Allegheny County banned conversion therapy in 2020.

Efforts to add LGBTQ protections on a statewide basis in Pennsylvania have stalled in the state legislature.

“Conversion therapy is causing horrific consequences for the mental health and well-being of a generation of young LGBTQIA+ individuals,” said Wolf in a release. “But there is something very simple that we can all do to help. We can stand up and tell LGBTQIA+ youth that we hear them and we accept them exactly as they are. “​

There is no statewide conversion therapy ban in Pennsylvania. Wolf’s order directs state agencies to take steps to actively promote evidence-based best practices for LGBTQIA+ individuals that is supported by the scientific and medical communities.

According to LGBTQ advocacy group The Trevor Project, LGBTQ youth who underwent conversion therapy in 2021 were more than twice as likely to report having attempted suicide in the past year.

Wolf’s order also directors the Department of Human Services, the Insurance Department and Department of State to ensure state funds, contracts, programs, and other resources are not used to provide, authorize, or endorse conversion therapy.

Rightwing extremists across the nation have been using their power to bully LGBTQIA+ youth.

I want all our kids to know that they matter and they belong. And in PA, we have their back.

Today I signed an executive order to protect LGBTQIA+ Pennsylvanians from conversion therapy. pic.twitter.com/X2xt4G1Dl6

— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) August 16, 2022

State Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills, approved of Wolf’s order and said he hopes this will encourage the state legislature to pass a non-discrimination ban for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians. In parts of the state without local bans, it is still legal to evict or deny public accommodation to people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“No matter how we look, who we love, or where in Pennsylvania we live, all of us deserve the research-based care we need,” said Costa in a statement. “The governor’s order will help ensure that thousands of people who call Pennsylvania home are treated with dignity and respect by the medical community.”