Latest news with #DiagnosticandStatisticalManualofMentalDisorders
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Psychologist Candice Leith weighs in as flasher alarms Ballito residents
Allegations of public indecency have unsettled Ballito residents after a man reportedly exposed himself twice in two days. The Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) confirmed that both cases involved a young white male allegedly exposing himself to unsuspecting women in public places over the weekend of July 12 and 13. The first incident occurred near Salmon Bay, where a female jogger was approached by a man driving a white Toyota Aygo. After asking for directions, the driver allegedly exposed himself before speeding off. The second incident took place on the boardwalk near Clarke Bay, where two female holidaymakers were out for a morning walk. They described the flasher as a 'young, clean-cut, white male.' These events have sparked concern, prompting the BNW to issue a public alert and encourage immediate reporting of any similar behaviour. Indecent exposure is a criminal offence in South Africa. Ballito psychologist Dr Candice Rae Leith weighed in on the psychological aspect of the incidents, linking the behaviour to a mental health condition known as Exhibitionistic Disorder. 'People with this disorder feel intense sexual arousal from the act of exposure itself, particularly from the victim's surprise or shock,' said Leith. 'In many cases, this behaviour is compulsive and repeated, causing distress for victims and sometimes guilt and shame for the offender.' According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Exhibitionistic Disorder is diagnosed when an individual aged 18 or older experiences persistent sexual urges or fantasies for at least six months involving exposing themselves to non-consenting people. The person must either act on these urges or experience significant distress or disruption in their life. 'This helps professionals distinguish a diagnosable disorder from a one-off act of poor judgement,' said Leith, who notes the illness can be treated and managed. She says specialist psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can help the person understand their triggers and develop healthier coping strategies. In some cases, medication is used to help reduce compulsive sexual urges. 'Community awareness and prompt reporting help protect everyone's safety. At the same time, people struggling with these urges deserve access to treatment so they can stop harmful behaviour before more damage is done.' No arrests have been made. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The Irish Sun
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
How the way you WALK could reveal a hidden autism diagnosis – the 3 signs to look for in your child
AUTISM is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people socialise, communicate and interact with the world. Autistic people may find socialising confusing or tiring, become overwhelmed in loud or crowded places and crave order and routine. 2 Toe-walking, walking on tip toes or the balls of the feet, can be a characteristic of autism if it continues past early childhood Credit: Getty 2 Walking with feet turned in can be another one - though autism isn't the only cause of this Credit: Getty But the condition - which is not an illness or disease that needs to be 'cured' - can also affect how some people move or walk, researchers say. In fact, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) - a guide book widely used for diagnosing mental health conditions - lists an "odd gait" as supporting feature of autism. Nicole Rinehart, a Professor of clinical psychology and director of the neurodevelopment program at Monash University outlined three "noticeable gait differences" autistic people might have in These may include: Read more on autism Toe-walking, walking on the balls of the feet In-toeing, walking with one or both feet turned inwards Out-toeing, walking with one or both feet turned out Walking on the toes or the balls of the feet is fairly common in children who are just beginning to walk, until the age of three. Most will outgrow it the habit. If toe-walking doesn't correct itself over time, or begins suddenly, the NHS recommends children be assessed by a health professional for growth-growth related pain, neurodevelopmental disorders or autism. Most read in Health "Children with autism spectrum disorder or sensory integration issues will frequently toe walk as it feels more comfortable for them," the In and out-toeing are also fairly common and can simply be caused by the rotation of the thigh and shin bones, aside from autism. Simple 10-question test that can help determine if you have autism They don't usually need treatment and will go away on their own by the time a child is eight. The NHS advises parents to speak a GP about their children's gait if they're worried about it. Autism can cause other, more subtle changes to the way people walk, according to Prof Rinehart. She pointed to Walk more slowly Take wider steps Spend longer in the 'stance' phase, when the foot leaves the ground Take more time to complete each step "Autistic people show much more personal variability in the length and speed of their strides, as well as their walking speed," Prof Rinehart wrote. "Gait differences also tend to occur alongside other motor differences, such as issues with balance, coordination, postural stability and handwriting." She explained that gait differences in autistic people might be caused by "differences in brain development". What is autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an incurable, lifelong developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. It affects around one in 100 people in the UK and is three to four times more common in boys than in girls. Many people with ASD find it hard to understand other people's feelings and emotions, and they may have difficulty holding conversations. When they are young, their language development may take longer and they can struggle to use facial expressions, using gestures to communicate instead. They may also find it hard to connect with other people and to hold eye contact with unfamiliar individuals. Many children with ASD like to follow a routine, and changes to this can cause distress. High functioning autism is an informal term some people use to describe those on the autism spectrum disorder. Areas such as the basal ganglia - which is responsible for making walking effortless, smooth and automatic - and the cerebellum, which controls and coordinates movement, may develop differently in people with autism, the expert said. "While some researchers have suggested that autistic gait occurs due to delayed development, we now know gait differences persist across the lifespan. "Some differences actually become clearer with age." Some people with gait differences may also have more difficulties with language and cognition. In some cases, these signs can indicate that an autistic person is experiencing "sensory or cognitive overload" and might need some "extra support or a break" in that moment, the expert said. Do gait differences need to be treated? Differences in the way autistic people walk don't necessarily need to be treated, Prof Rinehart said. "Some autistic people might have subtle gait differences that are observable during testing," she wrote. "But if these differences don't impact a person's ability to participate in everyday life, they don't require support." But some may be at increased risk of falls, have difficulty participating in sports or other physical activities, or may get pain in their legs or back from the way they walk. In these cases, children may benefit from some additional support, whether that be from a clinic, at school, or in their local communities. "Our "Community-based support models empower autistic children to have agency in how they move, rather than seeing different ways of moving as a problem to be fixed." The key characteristics of autism - and why they go unnoticed By Alice Fuller , Health Features Editor MODEL Christine McGuinness was a 'recluse' for eight years and only left the house at 3am. Springwatch presenter And recently, But what exactly is autism and why does it seem so different in everyone? Leanne Cooper-Brown, neurodevelopmental lead at 'Whereas we used to think of autism as a linear line, we have come to realise that terms such as 'high' and 'low' functioning or definitions of 'mild', 'moderate' or 'severe' aren't helpful and can be misleading. 'Nowadays, we think of autism in terms of the strengths and needs of the individual, which can change over time depending on their environment and support network.' About 700,000 people in the UK are thought to have autism - that's one in 100. But research by University College London suggests that number could be twice as high, as many people remain undiagnosed. Cases are on the rise though. Figures released last year showed a 175 per cent increase from 2011 to 2022. Dr Selina Warlow, clinical psychologist and owner of 'Receiving a diagnosis can open access to expert resources that support autistic people to thrive in society.' Autism has long been associated with social difficulties, like problems maintaining conversations and forming relationships. But research published in the journal Cell Press suggested that repetitive behaviours - like rocking or finger-flicking - and special interests - whether it's TV shows or specific animals - are more indicative of an autism diagnosis. Generally though, experts say the Sensitivity - autistic people can be much more or less sensitive to sights, sounds, textures, tastes and smells. For example, they find bright lights or crowded spaces overwhelming, Leanne says. They may also stand too close to others or need to move their whole body to look at something. Stimming - to manage this sensory overload, some people use repetitive movements or sounds. 'This is called stimming, and includes rocking, tapping and hand-flapping,' Dr Warlow says. 'Though it's something everyone does to some extent, those with autism are likely to engage with it as a form of self-regulation.' Masking - this is a strategy used by some autistic people, consciously or not, to match neurotypical people, Dr Warlow says. 'It's a way of hiding your true characteristics, and could involve copying facial expressions, planning conversations in advance, or holding in 'stimming' - swapping hand clapping with playing with a pen, for example,' she adds. Burnout - this is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion and is a common feature in autism. 'Being extremely tired, both mentally and physically, can be associated with the act of masking for a long period of time, or sensory or social overload,' Dr Warlow says. 'Symptoms of autistic burnout include social withdrawal, reduced performance and increased sensitivity.' Social struggles - socialising can be confusing or tiring for autistic people. They often find it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling, making it challenging to make friends. Leanne says: 'In adults, autism may present as difficulties with interpreting social cues such as understanding body language or sarcasm, struggling to express emotions or preferring to be alone. This can impact relationships and work.' Routine - many of us have a fairly regular daily schedule. But for autistic people, this becomes a 'very strong preference for routine', Leanne says. This could be needing a daily timetable to know what is going to happen and when, or having rigid preferences about foods or clothing. Literal thinking - some autistic people have a literal view of language - like believing it's actually 'raining cats and dogs' or that someone really wants you to 'break a leg'. Dr Warlow says: 'This can result in confusion with figures of speech, irony or indirect requests. 'For instance, being told to 'pull your socks up' might be understood literally, not as a motivational phrase.' Hyperfocus - often associated with ADHD, hyperfocusing is also common in autistic people. 'It's where you're able to focus intensely on an activity and become absorbed to the point of forgetting about time,' Dr Warlow says. 'This is useful in work or hobbies but can result in neglect of other aspects of life, such as food or rest.' Special interests - we all have hobbies and interests, but for autistic people, these are so compelling they often want to spend all their time learning about, thinking about or doing them. 'Special interests could include anything from dinosaurs to superheroes, and gardening to music,' Dr Warlow says. 'These usually begin in childhood, but can also form as an adult. 'Chris Packham is an example of an autistic person who turned his childhood special interest in animals into a successful career, becoming one of the UK's best-loved natural world TV presenters.
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
How the way you WALK could reveal a hidden autism diagnosis – the 3 signs to look for in your child
Gait differences may be a supporting characteristic of autism - read on for the core traits of the condition and why they often go unnoticed IN STEP How the way you WALK could reveal a hidden autism diagnosis – the 3 signs to look for in your child Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AUTISM is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people socialise, communicate and interact with the world. Autistic people may find socialising confusing or tiring, become overwhelmed in loud or crowded places and crave order and routine. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Toe-walking, walking on tip toes or the balls of the feet, can be a characteristic of autism if it continues past early childhood Credit: Getty 2 Walking with feet turned in can be another one - though autism isn't the only cause of this Credit: Getty But the condition - which is not an illness or disease that needs to be 'cured' - can also affect how some people move or walk, researchers say. In fact, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) - a guide book widely used for diagnosing mental health conditions - lists an "odd gait" as supporting feature of autism. Nicole Rinehart, a Professor of clinical psychology and director of the neurodevelopment program at Monash University outlined three "noticeable gait differences" autistic people might have in The Conversation. These may include: Toe-walking, walking on the balls of the feet In-toeing, walking with one or both feet turned inwards Out-toeing, walking with one or both feet turned out Walking on the toes or the balls of the feet is fairly common in children who are just beginning to walk, until the age of three. Most will outgrow it the habit. If toe-walking doesn't correct itself over time, or begins suddenly, the NHS recommends children be assessed by a health professional for growth-growth related pain, neurodevelopmental disorders or autism. "Children with autism spectrum disorder or sensory integration issues will frequently toe walk as it feels more comfortable for them," the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust explains. In and out-toeing are also fairly common and can simply be caused by the rotation of the thigh and shin bones, aside from autism. Simple 10-question test that can help determine if you have autism They don't usually need treatment and will go away on their own by the time a child is eight. The NHS advises parents to speak a GP about their children's gait if they're worried about it. Autism can cause other, more subtle changes to the way people walk, according to Prof Rinehart. She pointed to 30-year study of autistic people, which found that some with the condition may: Walk more slowly Take wider steps Spend longer in the 'stance' phase, when the foot leaves the ground Take more time to complete each step "Autistic people show much more personal variability in the length and speed of their strides, as well as their walking speed," Prof Rinehart wrote. "Gait differences also tend to occur alongside other motor differences, such as issues with balance, coordination, postural stability and handwriting." She explained that gait differences in autistic people might be caused by "differences in brain development". What is autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an incurable, lifelong developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. It affects around one in 100 people in the UK and is three to four times more common in boys than in girls. Many people with ASD find it hard to understand other people's feelings and emotions, and they may have difficulty holding conversations. When they are young, their language development may take longer and they can struggle to use facial expressions, using gestures to communicate instead. They may also find it hard to connect with other people and to hold eye contact with unfamiliar individuals. Many children with ASD like to follow a routine, and changes to this can cause distress. High functioning autism is an informal term some people use to describe those on the autism spectrum disorder. Areas such as the basal ganglia - which is responsible for making walking effortless, smooth and automatic - and the cerebellum, which controls and coordinates movement, may develop differently in people with autism, the expert said. "While some researchers have suggested that autistic gait occurs due to delayed development, we now know gait differences persist across the lifespan. "Some differences actually become clearer with age." Some people with gait differences may also have more difficulties with language and cognition. In some cases, these signs can indicate that an autistic person is experiencing "sensory or cognitive overload" and might need some "extra support or a break" in that moment, the expert said. Do gait differences need to be treated? Differences in the way autistic people walk don't necessarily need to be treated, Prof Rinehart said. "Some autistic people might have subtle gait differences that are observable during testing," she wrote. "But if these differences don't impact a person's ability to participate in everyday life, they don't require support." But some may be at increased risk of falls, have difficulty participating in sports or other physical activities, or may get pain in their legs or back from the way they walk. In these cases, children may benefit from some additional support, whether that be from a clinic, at school, or in their local communities. "Our community-based intervention studies show autistic children's movement abilities can improve after engaging in community-based interventions, such as sports or dance," Prof Rinehart said. "Community-based support models empower autistic children to have agency in how they move, rather than seeing different ways of moving as a problem to be fixed."
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
How the way you WALK could reveal a hidden autism diagnosis – the 3 signs to look for in your child
AUTISM is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people socialise, communicate and interact with the world. Autistic people may find socialising confusing or tiring, become overwhelmed in loud or crowded places and crave order and routine. 2 2 But the condition - which is not an illness or disease that needs to be 'cured' - can also affect how some people move or walk, researchers say. In fact, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) - a guide book widely used for diagnosing mental health conditions - lists an "odd gait" as supporting feature of autism. Nicole Rinehart, a Professor of clinical psychology and director of the neurodevelopment program at Monash University outlined three "noticeable gait differences" autistic people might have in The Conversation. These may include: Walking on the toes or the balls of the feet is fairly common in children who are just beginning to walk, until the age of three. Most will outgrow it the habit. If toe-walking doesn't correct itself over time, or begins suddenly, the NHS recommends children be assessed by a health professional for growth-growth related pain, neurodevelopmental disorders or autism. "Children with autism spectrum disorder or sensory integration issues will frequently toe walk as it feels more comfortable for them," the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust explains. In and out-toeing are also fairly common and can simply be caused by the rotation of the thigh and shin bones, aside from autism. Simple 10-question test that can help determine if you have autism They don't usually need treatment and will go away on their own by the time a child is eight. The NHS advises parents to speak a GP about their children's gait if they're worried about it. Autism can cause other, more subtle changes to the way people walk, according to Prof Rinehart. She pointed to 30-year study of autistic people, which found that some with the condition may: Walk more slowly Take wider steps Spend longer in the 'stance' phase, when the foot leaves the ground Take more time to complete each step "Autistic people show much more personal variability in the length and speed of their strides, as well as their walking speed," Prof Rinehart wrote. "Gait differences also tend to occur alongside other motor differences, such as issues with balance, coordination, postural stability and handwriting." She explained that gait differences in autistic people might be caused by "differences in brain development". What is autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an incurable, lifelong developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. It affects around one in 100 people in the UK and is three to four times more common in boys than in girls. Many people with ASD find it hard to understand other people's feelings and emotions, and they may have difficulty holding conversations. When they are young, their language development may take longer and they can struggle to use facial expressions, using gestures to communicate instead. They may also find it hard to connect with other people and to hold eye contact with unfamiliar individuals. Many children with ASD like to follow a routine, and changes to this can cause distress. High functioning autism is an informal term some people use to describe those on the autism spectrum disorder. Areas such as the basal ganglia - which is responsible for making walking effortless, smooth and automatic - and the cerebellum, which controls and coordinates movement, may develop differently in people with autism, the expert said. "While some researchers have suggested that autistic gait occurs due to delayed development, we now know gait differences persist across the lifespan. "Some differences actually become clearer with age." Some people with gait differences may also have more difficulties with language and cognition. In some cases, these signs can indicate that an autistic person is experiencing "sensory or cognitive overload" and might need some "extra support or a break" in that moment, the expert said. Do gait differences need to be treated? Differences in the way autistic people walk don't necessarily need to be treated, Prof Rinehart said. "Some autistic people might have subtle gait differences that are observable during testing," she wrote. "But if these differences don't impact a person's ability to participate in everyday life, they don't require support." But some may be at increased risk of falls, have difficulty participating in sports or other physical activities, or may get pain in their legs or back from the way they walk. In these cases, children may benefit from some additional support, whether that be from a clinic, at school, or in their local communities. "Our community-based intervention studies show autistic children's movement abilities can improve after engaging in community-based interventions, such as sports or dance," Prof Rinehart said. "Community-based support models empower autistic children to have agency in how they move, rather than seeing different ways of moving as a problem to be fixed." The key characteristics of autism - and why they go unnoticed By Alice Fuller, Health Features Editor MODEL Christine McGuinness was a 'recluse' for eight years and only left the house at 3am. Springwatch presenter Chris Packham says it makes him a 'task-centric workaholic who sees problems in everything he does'. And recently, Bella Ramsey revealed they were diagnosed after struggling to wear thermals on the set of The Last of Us. But what exactly is autism and why does it seem so different in everyone? Leanne Cooper-Brown, neurodevelopmental lead at Clinical Partners, tells Sun Health: 'Autism is considered a spectrum, so not all people share the same traits. 'Whereas we used to think of autism as a linear line, we have come to realise that terms such as 'high' and 'low' functioning or definitions of 'mild', 'moderate' or 'severe' aren't helpful and can be misleading. 'Nowadays, we think of autism in terms of the strengths and needs of the individual, which can change over time depending on their environment and support network.' About 700,000 people in the UK are thought to have autism - that's one in 100. But research by University College London suggests that number could be twice as high, as many people remain undiagnosed. Cases are on the rise though. Figures released last year showed a 175 per cent increase from 2011 to 2022. Dr Selina Warlow, clinical psychologist and owner of The Nook Neurodevelopmental Clinic, says: 'Conversation around neurodiversity is becoming normalised, and that's so positive to see. But more awareness is needed. 'Receiving a diagnosis can open access to expert resources that support autistic people to thrive in society.' Autism has long been associated with social difficulties, like problems maintaining conversations and forming relationships. But research published in the journal Cell Press suggested that repetitive behaviours - like rocking or finger-flicking - and special interests - whether it's TV shows or specific animals - are more indicative of an autism diagnosis. Generally though, experts say the core characteristics include… Sensitivity - autistic people can be much more or less sensitive to sights, sounds, textures, tastes and smells. For example, they find bright lights or crowded spaces overwhelming, Leanne says. They may also stand too close to others or need to move their whole body to look at something. Stimming - to manage this sensory overload, some people use repetitive movements or sounds. 'This is called stimming, and includes rocking, tapping and hand-flapping,' Dr Warlow says. 'Though it's something everyone does to some extent, those with autism are likely to engage with it as a form of self-regulation.' Masking - this is a strategy used by some autistic people, consciously or not, to match neurotypical people, Dr Warlow says. 'It's a way of hiding your true characteristics, and could involve copying facial expressions, planning conversations in advance, or holding in 'stimming' - swapping hand clapping with playing with a pen, for example,' she adds. Burnout - this is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion and is a common feature in autism. 'Being extremely tired, both mentally and physically, can be associated with the act of masking for a long period of time, or sensory or social overload,' Dr Warlow says. 'Symptoms of autistic burnout include social withdrawal, reduced performance and increased sensitivity.' Social struggles - socialising can be confusing or tiring for autistic people. They often find it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling, making it challenging to make friends. Leanne says: 'In adults, autism may present as difficulties with interpreting social cues such as understanding body language or sarcasm, struggling to express emotions or preferring to be alone. This can impact relationships and work.' Routine - many of us have a fairly regular daily schedule. But for autistic people, this becomes a 'very strong preference for routine', Leanne says. This could be needing a daily timetable to know what is going to happen and when, or having rigid preferences about foods or clothing. Literal thinking - some autistic people have a literal view of language - like believing it's actually 'raining cats and dogs' or that someone really wants you to 'break a leg'. Dr Warlow says: 'This can result in confusion with figures of speech, irony or indirect requests. 'For instance, being told to 'pull your socks up' might be understood literally, not as a motivational phrase.' Hyperfocus - often associated with ADHD, hyperfocusing is also common in autistic people. 'It's where you're able to focus intensely on an activity and become absorbed to the point of forgetting about time,' Dr Warlow says. 'This is useful in work or hobbies but can result in neglect of other aspects of life, such as food or rest.' Special interests - we all have hobbies and interests, but for autistic people, these are so compelling they often want to spend all their time learning about, thinking about or doing them. 'Special interests could include anything from dinosaurs to superheroes, and gardening to music,' Dr Warlow says. 'These usually begin in childhood, but can also form as an adult. 'Chris Packham is an example of an autistic person who turned his childhood special interest in animals into a successful career, becoming one of the UK's best-loved natural world TV presenters.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is conversion therapy? A breakdown of the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling on banning the practice
MADISON - In a ruling that gave the governor more power over how state laws are enacted, the Wisconsin Supreme Court cleared the way for the state to institute a ban on conversion therapy. In a 4-3 ruling July 8, the liberal-controlled court ruled that the Republican-controlled legislative committee's rejection of a state agency rule that would ban the practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ people was unconstitutional. Here's what you need to know about conversion therapy and how this ruling impacts Wisconsinites. Conversion therapy is a discredited practice in which counselors instruct gay patients to change their sexual orientation, using therapy to "convert" LGBTQ+ people to heterosexuality or into traditional gender expectations and roles. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed the diagnosis of homosexuality as a mental illness from its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Before the removal of the classification, LGBTQ+ individuals could be institutionalized against their will, fired from their jobs and denied a mortgage, among other things. Many proponents of conversion therapy contend that sexual orientation is a mental health condition that can be healed through intervention from mental health professionals. While this idea has since been discredited through scientific research, some religious communities and families still seek out the practice of conversion therapy. Conversion therapy has been banned in 23 states and the District of Columbia, according to LGBTQ+ rights think tank Movement Advancement Project. A 2023 report by The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization focused on suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth, found more than 1,300 active conversion therapists operating in all U.S. states except Vermont and Hawaii. A national poll conducted in 2019 by Ipsos/Reuters found that 56% of U.S. adults support making conversion therapy on youth by mental health practitioners illegal, compared to 18% who think it should be legal. A 2025 Data for Progress survey found that 60% of likely voters oppose the practice. The survey found that the stance on conversion therapy varies between political parties, with 72% of Democrats opposing the practice while only 46% of Republicans oppose it. The Wisconsin profession licensing board for therapists, counselors and social workers labeled conversion therapy as unprofessional conduct since April 2024. This provision was blocked twice by the Legislature's Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules — a powerful Republican-controlled panel in charge of approving state agency regulations, which prompted the lawsuit brought by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers In the July 8 decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the committee overstepped its authority in blocking the ban on conversion therapy, among other state regulations put forth during Evers' administration, from being enacted. The ruling could have sweeping implications for the interaction between the Legislature and the governor's office, as it determines whether the legislative committee can continue to block rules created by the governor's office, rather than going through the full Legislature to create policy. In the majority opinion, Chief Justice Jill Karofsky disputed the notion that the ruling strips power from the Legislature, noting that the ruling does not prevent the Legislature from creating rules and laws through the legislative process. '…the Legislature retains power over the administrative rulemaking process regardless of our determination here,' she said. 'The Legislature created the current process. It alone maintains the ability to amend, expand, or limit the breadth of administrative rulemaking in the other branches — as long as it adheres to the constitution.' Evers, a staunch supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, has worked on trying to enact the conversion therapy ban since 2020, but the Legislature prevented it from going into effect. Evers applauded the ruling and said Republicans have been allowed to overstep their power and cause gridlock by holding up administrative rules for years. "It's pretty simple — a handful of Republican lawmakers should not be able to single-handedly and indefinitely obstruct state agencies from doing the people's work," he said in a news release. 'Wisconsinites want to protect our constitutional checks and balances. Today's Wisconsin Supreme Court decision ensures that no small group of lawmakers has the sole power to stymie the work of state government and go unchecked." Republican lawmakers, however, saw the ruling as a way to give the executive branch more power while stripping the Legislature of its checks-and-balances role. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, criticized the court for removing oversight. 'For decades, case law has upheld the constitutionality of the legislative rules committee to serve as a legitimate check on the powers of the Governor and the overreach of the bureaucracy. Today's decision overrules those cases," Vos said in a statement. "As Justice Rebecca Bradley said in her dissent, 'Progressives like to protest against 'kings' – unless it is one of their own making.'' Co-chair of the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules Sen. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, echoed this. "The liberal judicial junta on the state Supreme Court has in essence given Evers the powers of a king," Nass said in a statement. "Today's ruling is another devasting attack on the Wisconsin Constitution and on the authority of the Legislature, the only branch of government now controlled by Republicans." While Fair Wisconsin Executive Director Abigail Swetz celebrated the ruling as a "powerful step in the right direction," she said there is "still have more work to do" to remove the harmful practice. "A bill banning conversion therapy by all licensed professions passed through the legislature and signed by the governor would be an even more powerful step. Wisconsin State Senate Bill 324 would do exactly that, and I look forward to seeing it become Wisconsin law," Swetz said in a press release. The bill, introduced in June by Sen. Tim Carpenter, D-Milwaukee, and Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, would prohibit conversion therapy in Wisconsin. It has yet to receive a public hearing. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to take up a case next term that challenges Colorado's ban on conversion therapy. The case would determine whether state and local governments can enforce laws banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth. The conservative-led court will take up the case during a time in which transgender people are facing increasing attacks by President Donald Trump and his administration. After taking office in January, Trump signed an executive order stating the United States would not "fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support" gender-affirming care. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. In 2023, the court had turned away a similar challenge related to conversion therapy bans, despite federal appeals courts coming to differing decisions when weighing state bans on the issue. Anna Kleiber can be reached at akleiber@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin high court rules conversion therapy ban can be enacted
