(Source: MIRS.news, Published 07/27/23) Mental health professionals can no longer attempt to change a patient's sexual orientation or gender identity under legislation Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law Wednesday.
The Governor also signed several bills that roll back several Snyder-era education policies that effectively expand teachers' bargaining power and allow an employee's seniority to be a factor in personnel decisions.
First, though, Michigan joined 21 other states and Washington D.C. Wednesday when Whitmer signed HB 4616 and HB 4617, sponsored by Reps. Felicia Brabec (D-Ann Arbor) and Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield), which outlaws what is referred to as “conversion therapy." The basic concept of the practice stems from a belief that being gay or transgender is a mental illness that can be corrected.
Testimony was presented this spring at legislative hearings, however, that this approach led patients to depression and suicidal thoughts.
“Today, we are banning the horrific practice of conversion therapy in Michigan and ensuring this is a state where you can be who you are,” Whitmer said. “As a mom of a member of the community and a proud, lifelong ally, I am grateful that we are taking action to make Michigan a more welcoming, inclusive place.”
Whitmer signed an executive directive in 2021 that prohibited the use of state and federal funds for the practice on minors.
Brabec said she was glad to see the ban and would ensure therapists would not harm minors.
“As a clinical psychologist, I am acutely aware that kids need to be free to express themselves without fear or threat of damaging pseudo-psychology like conversion therapy,” she said.
Equality Michigan Executive Director Erin Knott also hailed the bills as a “vital step” toward the protection of LGBTQ+ youth.
“By affirming that LGBTQ+ youth should be embraced, supported, and loved for exactly who they are, Michigan is paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for everyone who lives, works, and visits here,” Knott said.
On the education front, the Governor signed HB 4820, which allows a teacher's seniority to be used as a factor when determining how to fill a vacancy, assigning an educator to a classroom, or if a position should be eliminated.
“House Bill 4820 ensures teachers and school administrators will each have a seat at the table so the best qualified and most effective teacher is in the proper classroom,” Skaggs said. “By fostering a culture of collaboration in our schools we can give Michigan’s students the opportunities for success they deserve.”
She also signed HB 4354, which reverses another Gov. Rick Snyder policy that limited what items teachers could negotiate over at the bargaining table (See “Educators' Collective Bargaining Bills Hit A Pothole In House,” 6/14/23).
“We know that when the bargaining table is level, the best results for Michiganders are delivered and I’m thrilled to see this bill signed into law,” said House Education Committee Chair Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth).
HB 4233 by Rep. Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte), allows a public school teacher's monthly union fees to be taken directly from their paycheck, another bill most Republican legislators didn't like.
Kolezar's HB 4044 prevents teacher wages and benefits from being frozen during contract negotiations. Also, newer teachers hired by the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) could earn raises based on their years of service as opposed to only job performance, under Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit)'s SB 359.
Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor)’s SB 161 and Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo)’s SB 162, allow out-of-state teachers and counselors to get certificates in Michigan based on their experience and not additional testing. It's two of the rare bills that passed unanimously in the House and Senate.
“It’s no secret that Michigan has struggled to hire and retain educators in Michigan schools. Then the shortage of professionals was only exacerbated by the pandemic," Geiss said. “This expansion of reciprocity is essential to addressing the teacher shortage in Michigan by creating a clearer career pathway for experienced teachers and counselors previously hampered by former policies.”
State Superintendent Michael Rice said the education bills will allow the state to more quickly bring in veteran, out-of-state teachers, which he said will benefit communities throughout Michigan.
