Bill > SB1541

This bill amends existing Missouri statutes to prohibit certain mental health professionals from engaging in "conversion therapy" with minors, defining conversion therapy as any practice or treatment aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to alter behaviors, gender expressions, or reduce same-sex attractions or feelings. Importantly, the bill clarifies that this prohibition does not extend to counseling that supports individuals undergoing gender transition, or to counseling that offers acceptance, support, understanding, or facilitates coping, social support, and identity exploration, as long as these services do not attempt to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill adds this prohibition as a cause for disciplinary action, such as license refusal, suspension, or revocation, by the relevant professional licensing committees, which oversee professions like psychologists, professional counselors, social workers, and marital and family therapists.

Health and Social Services

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=627691