Official photo of Michigan state Rep. Josh Schriver (R-Oxford). (Source: Michigan House Republicans)

Michigan Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation to overturn the state’s ban on conversion therapy, a set of practices that attempt to force members of the LGBTQ+ community into being straight.

State Rep. Josh Schriver (R-Oxford) introduced House Bill 4752 on July 29. One of the main provisions included in the bill would repeal Section 901a of Michigan’s mental health code, which bars mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with a minor. Schriver’s bill would allow parents and legal guardians to legally put their children through conversion therapy, just two years after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed legislation to ban the practice in the state.

Conversion therapy relies on the false notion that sexual preference is a choice. Many religious groups use the practice to condemn homosexuality. Conversion therapy is comparable to torture by a large consensus of health care professionals and those who survived it, and it is prohibited or regulated in 27 states because of it is considered a violation of human rights.

When asked why he is pushing to legalize a form of torture, Schriver responded that his bill is about “restoring freedom of speech and conscience rights for licensed professionals in Michigan.”

“Under current law, the state threatens the license of any counselor or therapist who, in good faith, offers alternative perspectives on gender identity or sexuality, even if that guidance is requested by the client or informed by biology or religious conviction,” Schriver told Heartland Signal.

“HB 4752 seeks to repeal this restriction and protect the right of patients to receive counseling that aligns with their own beliefs and goals. This includes those who voluntarily seek faith-based or biologically grounded therapy. The bill does not legalize coercion or abuse. It simply ensures that the government does not punish ethical, constitutionally protected speech.”

In addition to Schriver, the HB 4752 has five additional co-sponsors: Reps. Matthew Maddock (R-Milford), Joesph Fox (R-Fremont), Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan), Gregory Markkanen (R-) and Steve Carra (R-Three Rivers).

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel provided a statement to Heartland Signal on HB 4752, bashing it and Schriver’s fringe agenda.

“This bill is about Rep. Schriver continuing to push a deeply dangerous agenda on Michigan children,” Hertel said. “The bill, which repeals the ban on conversion therapy for minors, will open the door for countless young Michiganders to be traumatized by physical, emotional, and psychological harm. While I wish I could be shocked, coming from the guy who touted racist conspiracy theories, trying to legalize child abuse just isn’t all that surprising.”

Studies have shown that individuals subjected to conversion therapy experience an increased risk of symptoms like depression, substance abuse and suicide attempts.

Schriver has previously supported keeping child marriage legal, banning pornography and prohibiting same-sex marriage.