FILE – In this March 14, 2019, file photo, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert speaks during an interview on the final day of the legislative session at the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City. The discredited practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ children is now banned in Utah, making it the 19th state and one of the most conservative to prohibit it. Herbert took the unusual step of calling on regulators after a proposed law was derailed by changes made by conservative lawmakers. State officials confirmed the rule became final late Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. (Francisco Kjholseth/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, File)
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – The discredited practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ children is now banned in Utah, making it the 19th state and one of the most conservative to prohibit it.
Supporters say that banning the practice will save the lives of children who can become more depressed and suicidal after undergoing it. The ban is unusual because it went through regulators rather than lawmakers after a proposal was derailed last year.
Though some opposition remains, barring it in Utah could give a boost to similar efforts in other right-leaning states.
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