AKRON, Ohio — *EDITOR'S NOTE: The above video is from an earlier edition of "Health Yeah! with Monica Robins."
The city of Akron on Monday became the 11th municipality in the state of Ohio to outlaw the discredited practice of conversion therapy for minors.
The ordinance, which was introduced by Mayor Dan Horrigan along with four councilmembers at this evening's meeting, makes it illegal to attempt to "change" a child's sexual orientation or gender identity within city limits. The legislation passed unanimously and will take effect immediately.
Horrigan released the following statement:
"I'm incredibly proud to add Akron to the growing list of communities recognizing the harmful impacts of conversion therapy and taking a stand against the practice. Akron has proven itself time and time again to be a welcoming, diverse place and taking this step is another way of making sure our community is inclusive of everyone. LGBTQ+ youth who are not supported for who they are, are more likely to attempt suicide, face homelessness, experience high levels of depression, and engage in high levels of substance use. I'm hopeful that this step sends a clear message to our LGBTQ+ youth that this City supports them for exactly who they are."
Conversion therapy has long been decried as pseudoscientific by mental health professionals, who cite its harmful effects on not just children but also adults. While 20 states and the District of Columbia have outright banned its use, it technically remains legal in Ohio, although several individual communities across the Buckeye State have moved to prohibit it for kids. Cleveland became the latest less than two weeks ago, joining Cleveland Heights, Kent, and Lakewood in the region.
This new measure will give the Akron Civil Rights Commission the authority to investigate complaints of reports of conversion therapy in the city, as well as potentially "create additional rules and procedures to receive, initiate, investigate, hold hearings, and issue orders and penalties on complaints alleging violations." The mayor appoints members of the commission with the approval of City Council, and complaints can be filed at akronohio.gov/ACRC.
Read the full ordinance below:
Casey Pick, senior fellow for advocacy and government affairs at The Trevor Project, wrote:
"It is heartening to see the leaders of Akron come together to protect LGBTQ young people in their communities from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion 'therapy.' Research from The Trevor Project has found that LGBTQ youth who have been threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy report more than twice the rate of attempting suicide in the past year than those who have not. Progress like this is made possible by the work of community advocates, grassroots organizers, and supportive local leadership. We hope that Akron's action helps spark leaders across Ohio to follow suit with statewide protections."