Nov. 22, 2019 (MINNEAPOLIS) The City Council has approved an ordinance that prohibits “conversion therapy” in Minneapolis. What is called conversion therapy (also reparative therapy) refers to treatment based on the discredited premise that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) is a mental disorder that can be cured or corrected. Medical, mental health and child welfare experts have denounced this practice as ineffective, unreliable and unsafe.

“In Minneapolis, we aren’t afraid to take on challenges when they’ve stalled elsewhere,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “I wholeheartedly support the excellent leadership of Council Vice President Jenkins and Councilman Cunningham on behalf of our LGBTQ community, and this ordinance represents another strong step.”

“I’m proud of our work and proud of my council colleagues for approving this ordinance to protect young people in our city,” said co-author City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins. “Hopefully the actions of this council will spur other municipalities across our state to take similar measures to ensure no minor is exposed to this abusive practice.”

“Today, Minneapolis has officially taken on the moral responsibility of protecting our children and young people from the abuse of conversion ‘therapy,’” said co-author City Council Member Phillipe Cunningham. “I am thankful to my colleagues for supporting this important work, Outfront MN and all of the community partners, and Council Vice President Jenkins for being an incredible co-author. I urge other municipalities across Minnesota to pass similar legislation and join us in demanding state legislators to pass a statewide ban that protects children across our great state.”

The ban on this practice is required to protect young people from harmful effects of this practice. Exposure to “conversion therapy” can harm people through adulthood with effects including:

• Suicide.
• Depression.
• Guilt.
• Hopelessness.
• Substance abuse.
• Stress.
• Self-blame.
• Self-hatred.
• Hostility and blame toward parents.
• Problems with sexual and emotional intimacy.
• A feeling of being dehumanized and untrue to self.

The City will enforce the ban through potential administrative citations and civil fines.

Bans on conversion therapy exist in 18 states and about 53 cities with many pending.

Find the ordinance prohibiting “conversion therapy” here.

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