MADISON – The state legislature’s Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) voted today to suspend an administrative rule banning conversion therapy in Wisconsin, preventing the rule from going into effect. The administrative rule – which would prohibit the use of conversion therapy by licensed therapists, social workers, or counselors to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity – was developed by the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board. Following the vote by JCRAR, the Wisconsin Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus released the following statement:
“Once again, Republican legislators have demonstrated that they will put politics over people and allow young people in Wisconsin to be hurt by those who should be helping them thrive.
“Today, the Joint Committee had the opportunity to stop a dangerous and deeply harmful practice. Instead, they have chosen to interfere with the recommendations of medical and scientific professionals. The negative impacts of conversion therapy are well-documented, which is why the professionals on the examining board developed this proposal to protect the youth of our state.
“We are deeply disappointed in today’s vote, and we are concerned about the harm that will be allowed due to Republican obstructionism. But it is not too late. Our colleagues made a mistake today, but they can right this wrong by removing their objections and allowing the proposed rules to go into effect. Our work to end conversion therapy does not stop today.”
Caucus members: Sens. Spreitzer, Carpenter and Reps. Cabrera, Neubauer and Snodgrass
