BTL Staff
LANSING — State Representative Adam F. Zemke (D-Ann Arbor) sponsored legislation on July 16 that would outlaw the practice of conversion therapy in Michigan. House Bill 5703 prohibits "any practice by a mental health professional that seeks to change a minor's sexual orientation." Similar laws are in place in California, New Jersey and New York and have been upheld by federal courts.
"I'm committed to making Michigan an inclusive state, where people feel welcome as they are," Zemke said. "Conversion therapy has proven to be ineffective and harmful, especially for children, and it doesn't belong here in Michigan or anywhere. I am pleased to see that this issue is being championed on a bipartisan basis in state legislatures across our country and by Republican Gov. Chris Christie in New Jersey. I hope that we will see the same bipartisan support in our own Legislature."
The bill is also sponsored by Sam Singh, Brian Banks, Andrew J. Kandrevas, Jeff Irwin, Scott Dianda, Sarah Roberts, Rashida Tlaib, Jon Switalski, Jim Townsend, Ellen Cogen Lipton, Vicki Barnett, Rose Mary C. Robinson.