Benham applauds executive order to deter conversion ‘therapy’

State lawmaker condemns the controversial practice as dangerous

Rep. Jessica Benham    August 16, 2022

HARRISBURG, Aug. 16 – In response to Governor Tom Wolf’s executive order on “conversion therapy” that was signed today, state Rep. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, released the following statement:

“I applaud the governor’s efforts to discourage the dangerous practice commonly referred to as conversion therapy. Misnomered as ‘therapy,’ this abusive tactic reinforces the idea that LGBTQ+ individuals are inferior because of their sexual preference. Furthermore, it has devastating effects on the mental health of those who are subjected to it, especially young people.

“While I’m happy that this executive order will create meaningful changes, it does not change the fact that LGBTQ+ people are, sadly, still seriously marginalized in many ways. We need to keep fighting and pushing for further reforms, like the PA Fairness Act, that will bring us closer to a truly equal society.”

As one of the few openly LGBTQ+ legislators in Pennsylvania, Benham is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and has been a fierce advocate for the expansion of LGBTQ+ protections since her election to the state House in 2020.

Send Feedback