If the nation cannot ban conversion therapy, it is up to the states to do so. If states falter with this charge, cities can fight to protect LGBTers from this horrific practice. Seattle may become the third city to do so as of tomorrow, August 1st.
The Seattle City Council committee handling civil rights issues unanimously approved a proposed ordinance Tuesday that would ban gay conversion therapy for minors in the city.
The ordinance must be adopted by the full City Council before it would go into effect.
The controversial practice, aimed at turning gay people straight, has been banned in California, Oregon, Illinois, New Jersey, Vermont and the District of Columbia. In December, Cincinnati became the first city to enact such a ban [and in June 2016, Miami Beach became the second city in the U.S. to do so].
The Washington state Legislature refused to consider the bill when it was brought up in 2015. – KIRO-7
The ordinance calls for a $500 fine for a first-time offense, and $1,000 fine after that. This would be considered a civil violation.
Anyone found advertising conversion therapy to minors would be considered false and deceptive advertising, which is a misdemeanor, subject to a maximum $300 fine or 90 days imprisonment, or both.
The city’s Office of Civil Rights would enforce the rule.
The bill specifically applies to licensed mental health and medical professionals. Anyone can still seek guidance from religious leaders in any capacity they choose.
The full City Council is scheduled to consider the final adoption of the legislation at 2 p.m. Monday. – KIRO-7
We hope the best will come out of Seattle tomorrow. Are you surprised that there are only a handful of states and just two cities on the ban list?
all citys should ban it!
all citys should ban it!