Biden Eyes Ban on Conversion Therapy Funding With Order Marking Pride Month
Joe Biden signs an executive order during a Pride Month event at the White House in Washington, on June 15.
Photographer: Ting Shen/BloombergPresident Joe Biden signed an executive order directing the Department of Health and Human Services to develop guidance blocking federal funding for organizations that subject LGBTQ youth to harmful and discredited practices known as conversion therapy.
In an effort to counter a series of state-level anti-LGBTQ legislation and policies, Biden on Wednesday signed the order as a show of support for LGBTQ people and children in particular, senior administration officials said.
“My order will use the full force of the federal government to prevent inhumane practices of conversion therapy,” Biden said at a White House reception with first lady Jill Biden celebrating Pride Month. Biden said it was the first time federal government was leading a coordinated response to what he called a “dangerous, discredited practice.”
The president also criticized bids in Texas, Florida and other Republican-led states “attacking families and our freedoms.” He told LGBTQ youth who attended the White House ceremony and across the US, "You are loved. You are you are understood. You do belong.”
”And I want you to know that as your president, all of us on this stage, have your back,” he added.