Minneapolis Bans 'Conversion Therapy' For Kids

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis City Council has approved an ordinance that prohibits "conversion therapy" in the city for minors. Conversion therapy refers to the belief that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer is a mental disorder that can be cured or corrected.

City officials cited medical, mental health and child welfare experts that denounced the 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 in a statement. "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."

Lawmakers said the ban is required to protect young people from harmful effects of this practice, stating that 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, according to a news release. Bans on conversion therapy exist in 18 states and more than 50 cities.