Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announced Thursday he is directing the drafting of new rules to regulate psychologists who are treating minor children for sexual orientation or gender identity issues, adding he's been particularly "troubled" by techniques that employ physical distress.
Herbert, in his monthly KUED news conference with reporters, said he wants the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to deliver the proposed rules for public comment on conversion therapy no later than Sept. 16.
"I believe the Psychologist Licensing Board — aided by public input — is the right venue for the issue of professional conduct to be examined and regulated. I also appreciate the action that our administration can take immediately to make a positive difference prior to the next legislative session," he wrote in a letter to Francine Giani, director of the Utah Department of Commerce, which is over the professional licensing division.
Herbert said he is not ruling out a political solution in the next legislative session but sees no reason to wait until January and wants to start the conversation now.
Conversion therapy, banned in 16 states and Washington, D.C., is an umbrella of interventions — such as hypnosis or physical distress — to change a child's sexual orientation or gender identity.
