Earlier today, an Executive Order was signed by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, that protects taxpayers from consumer fraud and LGBT youth from dangerous quackery. Cooper ordered the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to not use taxpayer money for “ex-gay” conversion therapy programs for minors.
Truth Wins Out’s statement:
“Truth Wins Out thanks Gov. Cooper for protecting North Carolina youth from conversion therapy, which is nothing more than using guilt and shame to inflict child abuse,” said Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen. “The governor is also protecting North Carolina taxpayers from getting ripped off by charlatans who falsely claim that they can fix what is not broken and heal those who are not sick. Cooper is strengthening families and saving lives.”
The effort to ban public money from going to quack “therapy” in North Carolina was led by Equality NC and the Campaign for Southern Equality.
Kendra R. Johnson, Executive Director of Campaign for Southern Equality, today applauded Gov. Cooper’s action:
“This year our campaign ignited a conversation among North Carolinians about the importance of protecting our kids from ‘conversion therapy.’ It’s gratifying to see Governor Cooper take this critical step in the right direction. No child should be told that they must change their sexual orientation or gender identity; we’re grateful that Gov. Cooper agrees. We are committed to ending this debunked practice and will work for statewide protections.”
Allison Scott, Director of Policy & Programs at the Campaign for Southern Equality, added:
“Governor Cooper’s order will create a safer North Carolina for LGBTQ youth. Young LGBTQ people who endure ‘conversion therapy’ are at an immensely higher risk for depression and suicide than those whose identities are affirmed, a primary reason that we must do all we can to end this dangerous pseudoscience. As we continue our campaign to end conversion therapy once and for all, we’re looking forward to working across North Carolina to share a message of love and affirmation. We have the momentum, and now it’s time to amplify the voices of North Carolinians everywhere who are taking action to protect our youth.”
