MADISON – Today, the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) voted to suspend an administrative rule that would ban conversion therapy in Wisconsin. Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement:
“As legislators, we have the duty to look out for the best interests of all Wisconsinites, including our LBGTQ youth. All kids deserve to feel safe, loved, and know that they belong, no matter their identity. Unfortunately, Republicans again chose to ignore science, neglect their responsibility, and demonize our LGBTQ children.
“Medical professionals are in consensus that conversion therapy is harmful, ineffective and should not be part of any behavioral health treatment of children and adolescents. In fact, the rule that Republicans suspended that would have otherwise ended conversion therapy in our state was created by the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board, consisting of three marriage and family therapists, three professional counselors, four social workers, and three members of the public.
“I will continue to be a staunch advocate and partner in the State Legislature for Wisconsin’s LGBTQ community, and I will not stop fighting until conversion therapy is a prohibited practice and people’s rights are honored and respected.”
