The city of Cudahy on Wednesday became the fourth city in Wisconsin to pass an ordinance to protect youth from so-called “conversion therapy.”
Cudahy joins Milwaukee, Madison and Eau Claire in banning the use of the dangerous and discredited practice aimed at changing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Efforts to pass the ordinance were led by Alder Justin Moralez, with support from the City’s Board of Health.
The ordinance prohibits any practice or treatment of persons under the age of 18 that seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, or behaviors or expression related to a person’s orientation or gender identity. The practice of “conversion therapy” has been discredited by numerous credible health organizations including the American Psychiatric Association, American Counseling Association, American Medical Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics.
“These local efforts are critical stepping stones to protect more people than before and to build broad public support for a statewide law,” Fair Wisconsin Executive Director Megin McDonnel said in a statement. “We are so proud to support local champions like Alder Moralez, who advance these important protections that make Cudahy a safer and more welcoming community, and will help make the entire state of Wisconsin a great place for LGBTQ Wisconsinites.”
Cudahy, which is located just south of Milwaukee and has a population of approximately 19,000, unanimously passed a local nondiscrimination ordinance in 2014 to prohibit discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations on the basis of gender identity and expression, also led by Moralez.
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