Proposal to ban LGBTQ conversion therapy moves forward to full Milwaukee Common Council

A Milwaukee council committee approved a measure Thursday to ban a controversial therapy practice that tries to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, sending it on to the full Common Council.

Ald. Cavalier Johnson introduced the ordinance to ban the practice, commonly known as "conversion therapy" or "reparative therapy," for anyone under 18.

He called it a "proactive piece of legislation" to address the practice that is commonly tied to religious values.

Last year, state lawmakers proposed a bill to penalize mental health providers or counselors who performed conversion therapy, but it did not get a hearing or committee vote. Several other states and cities have passed similar bans.

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Major medical and mental health organizations have condemned conversion therapy, said Tony Snell, a member of the city's Equal Rights Commission.

A 2009 American Psychological Association report concluded such practices can pose critical health risks to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youths including depression, substance abuse, stress and suicidal thoughts.

A 2015 federal report found no existing research that such practices can change a person's gender identity or sexual orientation and instead found those practices often are "coercive, can be harmful and should not be part of behavioral health treatment."

The city proposal went before the council's Public Safety and Health Committee where aldermen heard support for the ban from LGBTQ advocates and mental health experts from Alverno College and Mount Mary University.

Natalie Zanoni, director of client and program services at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, read a statement from a 29-year-old graduate student in Milwaukee who experienced conversation therapy.

The student came out as gay to his parents at age 16 and a youth pastor suggested Exodus International, a national conversion therapy nonprofit that has since been shut down.

"But what is worst of all is the emotional and spiritual damage it caused, the deep rooted shame that came along with attempting to change my orientation," he wrote.

Several council members asked about the prevalence of conversion therapy practices in Milwaukee.

Snell said they are present in the metro area but said it's difficult to quantify.

“A lot of these folks who have gone through this are living in the shadows," he said, later adding, “I think we need to send the message proactively and say this won’t be tolerated here in the city of Milwaukee.”

The committee voted 2 to 0 to approve the measure. Ald. Chantia Lewis and Ald. Jose Perez offered strong support, each signing on as co-sponsors and voting in favor of it.

Ald. Mark Borkowski and Ald. Bob Donovan abstained from voting, with Donovan saying he thought it was government overreach.

“I am just not comfortable intervening in these very sensitive family matters," he said.

The proposed ban carries a fine between $500 to $1,000 for each violation. The Milwaukee Police Department would have the power to enforce the ordinance, if it's approved.