Bill to Ban Conversation Therapy Passes House Committee

March 3, 2022

The Preventive Health Policy Division of the House Health Finance and Policy Committee met on March 2 to hear HF2156 (Rep. Athena Hollins-DFL, St. Paul), a bill banning conversion therapy in Minnesota.  

Specifically, the legislation prohibits so-called “conversion therapy” for children and vulnerable adults, defined as a practice “that seeks to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender.” It also prohibits medical assistance coverage and misrepresentation of conversion therapy services or products. 

The MMA submitted a letter of support for the legislation. In its letter, the MMA cited the dangers of conversion therapy, calling it coercive, harmful, and lacking scientific credibility and clinical usefulness. The letter stated: “The research into so-called conversion therapy paints a clear picture of its potential harm, particularly to adolescents and young adults. Conversion therapy can lead to poor self-esteem, self-harm, guilt, anxiety, depression, and possibly suicide, all while being wholly ineffective in its intended purpose.”   

The letter went on to state: “There is no scientific evidence to support a need for conversion therapy since we are not dealing with pathological conditions. The concept of conversion therapy lacks scientific credibility and clinical usefulness.” 

The MMA was among several groups and individuals supporting the bill. Christopher Maierhofer, MD, also testified in support on behalf of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The bill was passed by the division and referred to the Health Finance and Policy Committee. The bill has not received a committee hearing in the Senate.