Cincinnati City Council will vote Wednesday on legislation designed to ban so-called conversion therapy.
The Christian-based therapy seeks to “convert” LGBT people, often youth, to heterosexual preferences. The legislation to ban it for residents under 18 was introduced by Councilman Chris Seelbach. Transgender teen Leelah Alcorn, who committed suicide last year after she was bullied for her status, was enrolled in the therapy after coming out to her parents.
“This is the most personally important piece of legislation I’ve ever proposed,” Seelbach said in Council’s Dec. 7 Budget and Finance Committee meeting. “I want all of my colleagues to know that.”
Other council members were supportive. Only council members Amy Murray and Charlie Winburn voted against the legislation in committee.
“At first I was worried about this legislation, because I was worried it was something that the city couldn’t do,” said Councilman Kevin Flynn. “But with help from the city solicitor’s office and my own research over the weekend, I’ve come to the conclusion that we must do it. ”
Seelbach’s proposed law would fine therapists in the city administering conversion therapy $200 a day. Cincinnati would be the first city in the country to have such a law should Council approve the legislation.
