Battleground Democrat flip-flops on conversion therapy after left-wing backlash
A Democratic House candidate vying to flip a key Republican-held seat is on the defensive after reversing her position on conversion therapy following backlash from the party's left flank.Rebecca Cooke, a Democratic challenger vying to unseat Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., repeatedly declined to endorse a federal ban on conversion therapy during several forums held ahead of the Aug.
Reported by 1 outlet — Fox News Latest. See all sources ↓
A Democratic House candidate vying to flip a key Republican-held seat is on the defensive after reversing her position on conversion therapy following backlash from the party's left flank.Rebecca Cooke, a Democratic challenger vying to unseat Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., repeatedly declined to endorse a federal ban on conversion therapy during several forums held ahead of the Aug. 11 primary.But after drawing criticism from some progressive voters, Cooke reversed course, saying the federal government should prohibit the controversial practice, which often involves mental health professionals offering talk therapy for individuals struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity.The issue gained renewed attention when the Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that Colorado could not enforce a state-level ban on conversion therapy over free speech concerns, sparking backlash from some Democrats.FOX NEWS POWER RANKINGS: DEMOCRATS LEAD IN THE HOUSE, BUT REDISTRICTING KEEPS THE GOP IN THE GAMEThe reversal comes as Cooke appears to be walking a political tightrope on LGBTQ issues in the Trump-friendly swing district, where she must appeal to both Democratic primary voters and the broader electorate.Before Cooke can seek a rematch against Van Orden, she must first overcome a primary challenge from former Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge, who is running to her left.Asked what lawmakers could do to push back against the Supreme Court ruling at a May forum in La Crosse, Cooke sidestepped the question and said she preferred "local communities having control.""I’m in favor of that sort of local control when making policies like this," the Wisconsin Democrat said.Wisconsin’s conversion therapy ban took effect in 2022, while the city of Eau Claire, in Van Orden’s district, prohibited the practice in 2018.Meanwhile, at a June candidate forum in Platteville, Cooke said "no" when asked if the federal government should pass legislation to ban conversion therapy.Her answers prompted outrage from some progressive voters."I find it interesting that not in one, but TWO forums you said you would leave conversion therapy up to the states to decide," one user wrote on Facebook. "That is not protecting the LGBTQ community.""I don’t know how you can say ‘Happy Pride’ if you aren’t willing to stand up for people you want to represent in Congress," another account replied.
Read the full report at Fox News Latest ↗
Why it matters
A world story we're tracking; its significance and source trust firm up as more outlets confirm it.
- What's the story?
- A Democratic House candidate vying to flip a key Republican-held seat is on the defensive after reversing her position on conversion therapy following backlash from the party's left flank.Rebecca Cooke, a Democratic challenger vying to unseat Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., repeatedly declined to endorse a federal ban on conversion therapy during several forums held ahead of the Aug.
- How widely is it covered?
- 1 outlet, average source rating 6.0/10.
- When was it last updated?
- 32m ago.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
- Coverage card1 outlet1CoverageScouting report
Battleground Democrat flip-flops on conversion therapy after left-wing backlash
Sources1TypeCoverageFox News Latest