Andy Beshear’s War On Conversion Therapy

This past weekend, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky posted on “X” that he was gladly vetoing a bill geared towards Conversion Therapy in the Commonwealth claiming that the practice is torture.

It is true, that there are forms of Conversion Therapy (CT) that are abusive. There is no question about that. But this is only part of the story. Christians must take a closer look at Governor Beshear’s claims and how it can impact the Church and hinder the Gospel.

First, what is this all about? What did the Governor actually veto? The bill in question was House Bill 495. The text can be found on the Kentucky Legislature’s Register. This bill states that no funds should be used for gender reassignment surgery, hormone replacement therapy, and other types of treatment related to the transgender delusion. But the meat of the bill was related specifically to an executive order signed by Beshear last Fall. Executive Order 2024-632.

So what is this executive order all about? This executive order is a prohibition of the use of Conversion Therapy on minors in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In the EO, Beshear cites many statistics about the perceived harm that happens to people who identify as LGBT when CT is utilized. Now, to be fair and honest, we must acknowledge that some of this is legitimate. However, the Governor’s definition of CT goes too far.

“Conversion therapy” means any practice, treatment, or intervention that seeks or purports to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender.

Upon careful reading and understanding of this definition we immediately realize something is wrong and a major overstep by the Governor. Conversion therapy would include biblical and pastoral counseling that calls the LGBT lifestyle what it is, sin.

Romans 1 makes very clear that LGBT is against God in every way. It is an abomination and as Christians we must call it for what it is and we should tell individuals living that lifestyle that they must turn from it. This is our duty. This is our calling. In short, this is a direct attack on biblical Christianity.

Governor Beshear regularly touts his “faith” as what drives him in office. I do not know what his faith is, but I do know the faith that he practices is not the Christian faith. He has been a champion of LGBT and Abortion for years.

Back to the CT controversy, Beshear has no authority to tell biblical counselors that they cannot speak truth into the lives of those living the LGBT lifestyle, minor or not. Hopefully this will quickly be overturned in the conservative legislature.

We cannot sit back as a church and let wolves in sheep’s clothing, like Andy Beshear, proclaim a false Christian faith in the name of liberal progressivism. We must boldly proclaim the truth.