A bill that sought to legalize conversion therapy in North Dakota met its end in the Senate, where lawmakers narrowly defeated it 22-25. Sponsored by Rep. Lori VanWinkle, R-Minot, the bill aimed to allow counseling that aligns with “traditional” views on sexuality and gender, but it faced fierce opposition from social work professionals who argued the practice is ineffective and unethical. Even an amended version, which reinforced the current ban on conversion therapy, failed to convince critics who saw the bill as unnecessary and potentially harmful. Mary Steurer with North Dakota Monitor has the full story; bill details are below.
HB 1430
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 43-41 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the regulation of social workers.
House Sponsors: VanWinkle (R, District 3), K. Anderson (R, District 19), Bolinske (R, District 40), Christianson (R, District 18), Frelich (R, District 15), Heilman (R, District 7), Hoverson (R, District 3), Kasper (R, District 46), Koppelman (R, District 16), Louser (R, District 5),
Senate Sponsors: Castaneda (R, District 40), Paulson (R, District 3),
