FRANKFORT, Ky. (WCHS) — The practice of conversion therapy on minors is now banned in Kentucky after Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order to that effect. The goal of the practice is to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity using various techniques, but some have concerns about the law.

Governor Beshear says the executive order protects children, but some say he is going down the wrong path.

“He was one of the most dictatorial governors we’ve ever had in office. He’d rather get things done with the stroke of a pen than deal with the legislature,” said Sen. Phillip Wheeler (R) of Pikeville.

With the stroke of a pen, Governor Beshear issues an executive order banning conversion therapy for minors in Kentucky. Senator Wheeler says the issue must go through the legislative process.

“It doesn’t do anything. I wouldn’t even acknowledge that it’s the law in Kentucky,” Senator Wheeler said.

“I have the authority and I will use it to protect Kentucky’s children,” said Governor Beshear (D) of Kentucky.

However, Republicans in both houses of the General Assembly issued statements saying the governor had exceeded his authority, adding that the Kentucky Supreme Court had told the governor he did not have the authority to make policy in the state.

“This is clearly a discussion that needs to be had in the General Assembly and the Health and Human Services Committee. Bills have been introduced on this issue,” said Senator Wheeler.

“The General Assembly has an opportunity to do even more, and I would encourage them to step in and ban it completely in any way possible,” Governor Beshear said, urging Kentucky lawmakers to do the same.

“If they don’t agree or don’t like the fact that I’m doing this by executive order, then they could pass a law that goes further, because an executive order can only prohibit the use of state and federal funds for this purpose,” Governor Beshear said.

Including Kentucky, 23 states and the District of Columbia prohibit the practice of conversion therapy.