HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-039 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 2021/03/15Resolution No. 21-039
Resolution opposing the practice of conversion therapy
Whereas, conversion therapy or reparative therapy is a practice or treatment that seeks
to change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, including,
but limited to, efforts to change behaviors, to eliminate or reduce sexual, romantic
attractions and/or feelings toward individuals of the same gender; and
Whereas, conversion therapy is based on the discredited premise that being two-
spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (2SLGBTQ+) is a mental disorder that can be
cured or corrected; and
Whereas, the American Medical Association and American Psychiatric Association
oppose treatment based on the assumptions that homosexuality is a mental disorder or that a
person should change their sexual orientation, and describe attempts to change a person's
sexual orientation as unethical; and
Whereas, medical, mental health, and child welfare experts have denounced conversion
therapy as ineffective, unreliable, and unsafe for the people who undergo such treatment,
including 2SLGBTQ+ people; and
Whereas, conversion therapy has been shown to cause serious and dangerous harms to
those who are subjected to such treatments, including depression, anxiety, increased suicidal
behaviors, lowered self-esteem, internalized homophobia, self-blame, intrusive imagery, sexual
dysfunction, and interpersonal harm, such as alienation, loneliness, social isolation,
interference with intimate relationships and loss of social supports; and
Whereas, 2SLGBTQ+ people must be free from ineffective and fraudulent conversion
therapy that causes harm to the quality of life of 2SLGBTQ+ persons; and
Whereas, the State of Minnesota regulates and licenses behavioral and mental health
professionals but has so far not addressed the serious issue of conversion therapy; and
Whereas, 20 U.S. states, two territories, and 67 municipalities have enacted legislation
banning the practice of conversion therapy; and
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park believes the practice of conversion therapy is an
ineffective and harmful practice that has no place in modern society.
Now therefore be it resolved, by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park that:
1. The practice of conversion therapy is not welcome in the City of St. Louis Park.
2. The City of St. Louis Park supports the state legislature banning the practice of
conversion therapy in the state of Minnesota.
DocuSign Envelope ID: FD64F8C2-1665-4BA9-8A46-E767D5E9842E
Resolution No. 21-039 2
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
DocuSign Envelope ID: FD64F8C2-1665-4BA9-8A46-E767D5E9842E