Wisconsin Supreme Court mulls veto of conversion therapy ban

Author: Donald Padgett

The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Thursday heard arguments on a potential ban on conversion therapy in the state, but the case could also decide whether a legislative committee can veto rules proposed by the state’s governor, Associated Press and Maciver Institute report.

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The Republican-controlled Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules Committee has twice vetoed a proposed rule by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’s administration banning the controversial practice of conversion therapy. The rule banning conversion therapy is one of two vetoed by the committee and named in the suit. The second rule authorized a pay increase for state university employees.

The court is composed of seven justices. It is ostensibly non-partisan but is generally recognized as having four liberal justices and three conservative justices. Liberal justices seemed skeptical of the Republican views on the separation of powers in the case, while conservative justices said the powers used by the legislature were granted in the state’s constitution.

“You are saying that it’s okay for three or four members of the legislature to put on hold a rule that is literally saving people’s lives,” liberal Jill Karofsky said during arguments on Thursday.

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“Nowhere do I see that the people ever consented to be governed by an administrative state instead of their representatives in the Legislature,” Conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley said.

Conversion therapy is any set of methods or practices that seek to alter a person’s gender identity and/or sexuality. They range from “praying the gay away” to torture. Evidence shows these practices are not only ineffective, but result in depression and even death by suicide. The practice is opposed by a wide range of medical and LGBTQ+ advocacy and support groups, including American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, Human Rights Campaign, Born Perfect, and The Trevor Project.

Karofsky noted the dangers in her questioning on Thursday.

“There are real lives that are at risk here,” Karofsky said. “This is hurting people.”

Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Donald Padgett