Relating to coverage for conversion therapy by a health benefit plan offered by a public employer.
If enacted, HB2753 would have significant implications for health benefit plans associated with public employers, as it explicitly forbids these plans from covering conversion therapy. This legislative move highlights a commitment to protecting the rights and mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals by reducing the availability of controversial and widely discredited therapies. The law is aimed to take effect on September 1, 2021, and will apply to newly delivered or renewed health benefit plans from that date forward.
House Bill 2753 aims to prohibit the coverage of conversion therapy by health benefit plans offered by public employers in Texas. The bill explicitly defines conversion therapy as any practice or treatment aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes initiatives attempting to alter an individual's romantic attractions or feelings towards individuals of the same sex. The bill applies to various types of health benefit plans, including individual, group, and nonprofit plans provided by public employers, ensuring a broad scope of coverage against conversion practices.
The introduction of HB2753 may face opposition from various groups, including those who argue for parental rights in the treatment of minors, asserting that families should have the liberty to choose therapies they believe are appropriate. Critics of conversion therapy often cite psychological harm associated with such practices, positioning the bill as a protective measure against abusive practices. However, the ongoing debate surrounding personal freedoms, parental rights, and mental health treatment options is likely to invoke strong discussions, positioning this bill not only as a health policy measure but also as a reflection of the evolving landscape of social values regarding sexual orientation and identity.