SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Gov. Gary Herbert said Thursday that he backs a legislative push to ban some types of gay conversion therapy that he called “barbaric” but added that defining what constitutes conversion therapy is vital.

“How we define conversion probably is the key issue there, but some of the things being done, particularly to young people, seems to be barbaric and ought to be eliminated,” he said during his monthly televised news conference at KUED-TV. “So, I have no problem . . .with some of the conversion methods being banned.”

The Republican governor didn’t elaborate on how he would define conversion therapy or what forms are ‘barbaric.’

The proposal, which would ban gay conversion therapy for minors, is set to be considered by lawmakers on Friday. The plan would prohibit any treatment aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity, which has ranged from talk therapy to practices like electric shock. Therapists who practice it could lose their license.

The proposal, as currently written, defines gay conversion therapy as any practice or treatment, including mental health therapy, which tries to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

It states that the definition does not include therapy discussing a person’s moral or religious beliefs, or discussions pertaining to premarital sex so long as the conversation is neutral to sexual orientation.

The proposal comes during a national campaign to ban the practice, which is now outlawed in 15 states and the District of Columbia. The Mormon church has said it won’t oppose the legislation, which is being touted by Republican sponsors as an important way to support LGBT youth amid an alarming spike in youth suicide.

Herbert also weighed in on two other hot button legislation being considered by lawmakers in a session that will wrap up on March 14: