President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to protect LGBTQ+ people from laws targeting them in conservative states. The measure includes efforts to dry up funding for so-called ‘conversion therapy’ by asking federally funded programs to ensure they are not offering it.
The harmful practice has been widely condemned by health experts all over the world, including the National Health Service and World Health Organisation.
It also includes a request for the Federal Trade Commission to consider determining that ‘conversion therapy’ is an unfair and/or deceptive act that warrants a warning to consumers from the agency.
In addition, the order introduces new federal guidance to ensure that healthcare for LGBTQ+ people is expanded, including gender-affirming care.