Andy Beshear Stands Firm on ‘Conversion Therapy’ Ban
FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has staunchly defended his contentious executive order prohibiting the practice known as “conversion therapy,” facing fierce backlash from some Republican lawmakers and conservative organizations who threaten legal action against it.
“The executive order is both legal and constitutional. Similar measures have been enacted in other states,” Beshear asserted on Thursday. He pointed out that the United States Supreme Court declined to review Washington’s ban on conversion therapy, thereby upholding it.
In response to the signing of the order, Rep. Josh Calloway, R-Irvington, declared on X, “I will fight this with every fiber of my being.” He promised that if reelected, he would “file legislation on day one to prevent this governor from imposing his harmful far-left agenda on vulnerable children.”
Calloway further indicated that he is “exploring other legal options to halt this blatant overreach.”
With Republicans maintaining supermajorities in both legislative chambers, members from both the House and Senate issued statements denouncing Beshear’s action. A group of twelve Republican senators stated, “The Kentucky Supreme Court has repeatedly informed the governor that he lacks the authority to create policy in the commonwealth. Once again, he is defying the Supreme Court, the General Assembly, and the principle of separation of powers.”
“We will not stand idly by while this governor infringes on the rights of Kentucky parents. We are united with families and will defend their constitutional right to guide their children’s upbringing.”
Andy Beshear responded, “I possess the authority, and I am utilizing it to safeguard Kentucky’s children. If the legislature desires their legacy to be the perpetuation of a practice that we know contributes to youth suicide, that’s not a commendable legacy.”
As of now, the office of Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has not commented on the legality of the executive order and has yet to respond to inquiries from Kentucky Today.
The conservative Commonwealth Policy Center, alongside legislators, biblical counselors, and concerned citizens statewide, plans to address Gov. Beshear’s executive order at a news conference scheduled for Friday morning.
Kentucky Baptist Convention Executive Director Todd Gray expressed concerns regarding the ramifications of Beshear’s decision. “Although the full implications of this executive order remain uncertain, Kentucky Baptists are alarmed at the potential threat to religious liberty and free speech. I encourage Kentucky Baptists to reach out to the governor’s office and respectfully voice their apprehensions that his support for the LGBTQ+ movement could undermine our capacity to counsel individuals grappling with their sexual orientation and identity in accordance with biblical principles,” Gray stated.
