Carson City, NV — Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford announced his participation in a multistate coalition defending a Michigan law that prohibits licensed health professionals from practicing conversion therapy on minors. This practice, also known as sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts, is deemed harmful and ineffective.
"Nevada banned conversion 'therapy' years ago because it is extraordinarily damaging to children and causes long-term psychological harm to those who have been put through it," said AG Ford. "These so-called treatments do nothing to actually help children. Rather, they put youth at increased risk for self-harm, up to and including suicide. I am proud to sign on to this brief to stop this damaging practice; protect the rights of states; and defend our nation’s youth."
The Michigan law has been challenged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The amicus brief filed by 19 states and the District of Columbia supports Michigan's ban due to its ineffectiveness as a treatment and its potential risks, including increased risks of suicide and depression.
Nevada is among over 25 states that ban or restrict conversion therapy. The practice is opposed by major medical organizations such as the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and American Psychiatric Association.
The brief argues that:
- The First Amendment does not protect dangerous mental health practices from regulation.
- States have historically regulated professional standards of care.
- Overturning such bans could undermine state authority over professional practices.
Joining AG Ford are attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island,Vermont,and Wisconsin.