Missouri House Bill HB1091

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

Prohibits certain mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with minors

Impact

If passed, HB 1091 would result in significant changes to state laws related to mental health practices. It would directly repeal previous sections of the relevant statutes that permitted certain practices associated with conversion therapy, establishing new definitions and regulatory standards. The bill also opens pathways for penalties against practitioners who engage in these practices, reinforcing a commitment to evidence-based treatment approaches for minors struggling with sexual orientation and gender identity issues.

Summary

House Bill 1091 is a piece of legislation introduced to prohibit certain mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with minors. The bill focuses on the protection of vulnerable minors from practices that seek to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. By officially prohibiting conversion therapy, the bill aims to promote mental health best practices and align with a growing number of states taking similar actions against such practices. This directive also seeks to enhance the legal framework surrounding mental health services, ensuring safeguarding for children from potentially harmful therapies.

Contention

The legislation is characterized by heated discussions, particularly around the concept of conversion therapy itself. Proponents argue that the bill serves as a necessary intervention to protect minors from damaging psychological harm. Conversely, opponents of the bill express concerns about parental rights and argue that it represents an intrusion into family matters regarding personal beliefs and treatment options. The division around this issue indicates not just a clash over professional ethics with regard to mental health care but also broader societal disagreements about gender and sexual identity issues.