Minnesota Youth Council Statement on Governor Walz’s Ban on Conversion Therapy

The Minnesota Youth Council Committee is a state-mandated, state-funded, organization of 36 young people from diverse backgrounds and all eight of Minnesota’s Congressional districts.  The Minnesota Youth Council focuses on four key areas of advocacy in order to properly and efficiently represent the needs of the young people in their communities; Health and Wellbeing, Education Excellence, Juvenile Justice, and Environmental Justice.

Following Governor Walz’s executive order to restrict Conversion Therapy in the state of Minnesota, of the Health and Wellbeing subcommittee felt the order aligned well with the objectives of the committee, and council as a whole.  Ensuring equity, safety, and opportunity for all young Minnesotans is a priority for the MYCC, and the measures taken through this Executive Order demonstrate a commitment to the safety of LGBTQ+ young people.  Though impactful on its own, this order is only a first step.  Condemning abuse and establishing dignity is the responsibility of a body intended to govern all its people.  In future legislation we hope to see further action taken towards protecting the wellbeing of youth throughout the state of Minnesota, particularly historically disenfranchised youth.  The Minnesota Youth Council is supportive of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan in their decision to prioritize young people’s safety, and will continue to promote this issue in their own work.