Governor Herbert Calls For New Rules For Gay Conversion Therapy
Jun 27, 2019, 7:40 PM
Gov. Gary Herbert speaks at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, April 22, 2019. Herbert announced Thursday he is directing the drafting of new rules to regulate psychologists who are treating minor children for sexual orientation or gender identity issues, adding he's been particularly "troubled" by techniques that employ physical distress. (Deseret News)
(Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah Governor Gary Herbert is asking state regulators to craft new rules for psychologists who practice gay conversion therapy.
Herbert said Thursday during his monthly televised news conference at KUED-TV that he’s troubled by some reports he’s heard about conversion therapy.
The Republican governor says he sent a letter directing the state’s Psychologist Licensing Board to propose new rules by mid-September.
A proposal to ban gay conversion therapy for minors failed during this year’s state’s legislative session when it was gutted by Republican lawmakers.
Troy Williams with Equality Utah said in a statement the call for new regulations is a promising step forward that will hopefully lead to a complete ban. Williams blasted Herbert in March, saying he turned his back on LGBT youth when he initially supported the changes.
(Copyright 2019 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
