Ohio remains one of the worst states in America for the widely discredited practice of conversion therapy, with over 70 providers still offering the harmful treatments that claim to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
That fact, and one legislator’s push to outlaw the practice, was a hot topic of discussion Tuesday on the Today in Ohio podcast.
“Ohio is among the top five states where conversion therapy is still being practiced with more than 70 providers actively offering it. So it’s happening here. This isn’t just something that’s kind of being blown out of proportion,” said Leila Atassi.
The discussion took a fiery turn when examining why such a ban – which should be common sense given that conversion therapy has been condemned by every major medical and psychiatric organization – faces such steep political obstacles in the Republican-controlled Ohio legislature.
“When you look at the practice of conversion therapy, it is medieval… but you just have to say the word ‘transgender and it brings out all of the crazies on the far right,” Atassi continued, highlighting how even basic protections for LGBTQ+ Ohioans become lightning rods for political extremism.
Atassi said many Republican lawmakers privately support the ban but won’t say so publicly. They don’t want to be viewed as going against their party.
The conversation highlights a troubling reality in Ohio politics: practices that harm vulnerable people can continue not because lawmakers believe they’re beneficial, but because political cowardice prevents them from standing up to extremists within their own party.
Cuyahoga County recently became the first county in Ohio to ban conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults, joining 13 Ohio cities that have already taken this step. But a statewide ban would offer much broader protection – if only lawmakers would put human welfare above political posturing.
State Sen, Nickie Antonio knows she’s fighting an uphill battle. But as the podcast discussion made clear, continuing to shine a light on this issue is essential to building momentum toward eventual change.
Listen to the conversation here.
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