It's really good you pointed out the source here as ultimately being the LDS Church. Because there's a cautionary tale here worth telling regarding conversion therapy.

Several years ago, Utah lawmakers were about to pass a very tough conversion-therapy ban, quite strictly prohibiting sexual- orientation conversion therapy. Then the LDS Church stepped in and stomped all over the bill, claiming it would restrict religious freedom.

The Church pressured Mormon lawmakers to oppose the bill, and suddenly, even though it had had overwhelming support, votes could no longer be found to pass it.

Then lawmakers modified the bill with language the Church lobbied for, and eventually, it passed.

People celebrated the end of conversion therapy in Utah. Only ...

The exemptions built into it mean that conversion therapy incidence in Utah has not decreased. In some areas, it has actually increased, performed by LDS sanctioned therapists whom the original bill would have put out of business.

Of course, the LDS Church talks about being opposed to conversion therapy. Don't believe them. The church runs networks of conversion-therapy clinics — labeled as religious/faith counseling.

Deseret News is a mouthpiece of the LDS Church. They are no more free from pressure from Church leaders than Utah Mormon lawmakers are.