Pennsylvania's Democratic Governor, Josh Shapiro, has partnered with The Trevor Project, a major transgender lobbying group, to challenge counselors who do not promote progressive medical transition methods for children with gender dysphoria. The collaboration aimed to identify licensed counselors, many from Christian groups, who did not support 'gender affirming care' for gender-distressed children, which was deemed as 'conversion therapy.'
Recent policy changes in Pennsylvania, effective June 8, classify attempts to help children accept their biological sex instead of endorsing a transgender identity as conversion therapy. Licensed professionals who do not support a child's desired transgender identity could face penalties, including revocation or suspension of licenses.
Michael Geer, president of the Pennsylvania Family Institute, criticized Shapiro's actions, stating that they hinder the ability of counselors to help their patients and punish those with differing convictions on sexuality and gender.
The Trevor Project commended the state boards for adopting the new policy statements, which are considered more binding than state laws. Perry Monastero, who worked on the campaign against conversion therapy in Pennsylvania, praised the decision makers for taking action.
The Trevor Project identified alleged conversion therapy practitioners in Pennsylvania, many of whom were associated with Christian groups. The organization collaborated with Shapiro's office to improve reporting mechanisms for such practitioners.
The Shapiro administration pressured state licensing boards to eliminate practices labeled as conversion therapy. Anne Edward, an executive director at a faith-based counseling hub, criticized the targeting of Christian counselors who support clients seeking to align their faith with their bodies.
Efforts to ban counseling choice and punish counselors have raised concerns among faith-based organizations. The Trevor Project's actions have sparked controversy and debate over the rights of counselors and therapists to provide support to individuals with gender dysphoria.
