Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tim Miller (R)

Back to profile

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM REP. TIM MILLER - DISTRICT 17-A

Friday, July 16, 2021

The Governor and Conversion Therapy  

Yesterday, Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order aimed at restricting conversion therapy in Minnesota. Conversion therapy is a practice that attempts to change the sexual orientation of an individual. The governor’s executive order specifically prohibits health insurance companies from reimbursing clinics and individuals who provide so-called “conversion therapy” services.

When people think of the phrase “conversion therapy” they think of barbaric electroshock and chemical treatments that try to change a person’s sexual orientation. We can all agree that such practices are awful, inhumane, and despicable. However, these types of practices thankfully do not exist in Minnesota. As such, Governor Walz’s executive order is certainly not aimed at preventing these acts from occurring.

Instead, Governor Walz is using his executive order as a warning shot to threaten Christian therapists and pastors.

By design, the governor’s executive order does not narrowly define the term “conversion therapy.” A broad, ambiguous definition is used instead. As a result, the definition of conversion therapy used in the executive order could include Christian therapy services that help people who are seeking counseling regarding their sexuality. Furthermore, the definition could include pastors who advocate for the biblical view of sexuality. Governor Walz used a broad definition of conversion therapy so he could go after these groups.

In the end, Governor Walz’s executive order was a threat disguised as a self-righteous virtue signal. To play politics with the topic of sexuality is disgusting; to do so with the intent of attacking religious liberty is appalling.

This is extremely troubling.

The Montevideo Veterans Home

Yesterday, I met with the architects and builders who will be constructing the new Montevideo Veterans Home. After learning more about the details of their plan and seeing their vision for the project, I must say that I am very impressed.

This project has been in the works for years, and I am very excited that it is finally getting under way. The plans for the Montevideo Veterans Home are beautiful, and the building is going to be a great place for the valiant individuals who served in our armed forces. 

I am particularly thankful for the support and dedication of Steve Williams, Jim Williams, and the Steve Williams estate. Their generous gift to this project is a major reason for its success. Compassionate, devoted individuals like the Williams brothers are a huge part of what makes America so special.

Furthermore, the Montevideo Veterans Home will be a great addition to the City of Montevideo. Roughly 140 jobs will be brought to the city because of this project. I am so glad that this project will benefit so many people.

An official groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively scheduled for August 23rd. I hope the community will be there to show their support for this project and the heroes who have served our nation.

I will keep you updated as progress continues. Stay tuned!

Tim Miller

Tim Miller - Signature