Governor reacts to Supreme Court decision, reaffirms 2019 ban on conversion therapy

The governor on Monday called a Supreme Court decision announced that morning "bad news" and said his office will review its effects on the state's existing prohibition on conversion therapy.

In prepared remarks, the governor said conversion therapy "has long been discredited" and is "dangerous to people, especially young people," and reminded listeners that the practice was banned in the state in 2019. He said officials will "look at the impact" of the court's action but did not specify which Supreme Court issued the ruling or detail next steps.

The governor spoke directly to vulnerable youth in the audience, saying, "As your governor, I see you. I value you. I respect you. I will protect you." The remarks drew applause.

The transcript of the remarks does not identify the court referenced beyond "the Supreme Court this morning," and the governor did not provide the statute or enforcement details for the 2019 ban during these remarks. No formal action or vote occurred during the exchange; the governor framed the remarks as reassurance and an intent to review the decision's implications.

The governor's remarks concluded with applause from those present. The office said it would examine the decision's impact; no timeline or specific implementation steps were given on the record.