Executive order to counter anti-LGBTQ state laws

President Biden issues executive orders to counter state actions he sees as anti-LGBTQ

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Joe Biden is issuing executive orders Wednesday to stymie what the White House says are discriminatory legislative attacks on the LGBTQ community by Republican-controlled states. The orders seek to discourage "conversion therapy" - a discredited practice that aims to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity - while also promoting gender-affirming surgery and expanding foster care protections for gay and transgender parents and children.

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The White House says the actions, which tap money already allocated to federal agencies, are meant to counter 300-plus anti-LGBTQ laws introduced by state lawmakers over the past year alone. The Department of Health and Human Services will draft new policies to expand care to LGBTQ families and the Education Department will devise rules to better protect LGBTQ students in public schools. The orders will bolster programs that address the issue of suicide among LGBTQ children and will make adoptions easier for LGBTQ parents and children, White House officials said.