Golden Valley City Council Approves Proclamation Opposing Conversion Therapy In Golden Valley

From the City of Golden Valley:

March 5, 2020

At its March 4, 2020 meeting, the Golden Valley City Council approved a proclamation opposing the practice of conversion therapy in Golden Valley.

Conversion therapy is a practice or treatment that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. After recent failed attempts by the Minnesota State Legislature to make the practice illegal, in 2019 the Golden Valley Human Rights Commission asked the City Council to address the issue. At its annual goal setting meeting in January 2020, the Council voted to pursue a proclamation denouncing the practice and encouraging the state Legislature to become the 21st state to ban the practice.

The City asks residents to anonymously report suspected conversion therapy in the City of Golden Valley. All reports will be documented, and aggregate information will be provided to the Minnesota State Legislature.

The Minnesota House of Representatives is considering the Mental Health Protections Act, which would prohibit the practice of conversation therapy with children and vulnerable adults. Residents wishing to contact their state representatives regarding this issue can find contact information on the State Legislature website.

This press release was produced by the City of Golden Valley. The views expressed here are the author’s own.