Conversion therapy banned for minors and vulnerable adults

No mental health practitioner or professional can, under a new law, seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity if the client is younger than age 18 or classified as a vulnerable adult.

Conversion therapy includes any efforts to change either behaviors or gender expressions, as well as attempts to eliminate or reduce same-gender sexual and/or romantic attraction.

Sponsored by Rep. Athena Hollins (DFL-St. Paul) and Sen. D. Scott Dibble (DFL-Mpls), the law took effect April 28, 2023.

Moreover, the law prohibits misrepresentation of conversion therapy in advertisements and sales. It bars fraudulent and deceptive practices, such as promising to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, or implying homosexuality is a mental disease, disorder, or illness.

The new law also specifies that medical assistance does not cover conversion therapy.

HF16*/SF23/CH28

HF0016* / SF0023 / CH28