MINUTES 10-15-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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treating youth. He stated that conversion therapy is shown to be harmful and that it can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions. LGBT youth are already at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and mental health problems. He stated that there are ethical problems with conversion therapy because minors can't fully consent to it. He also pointed out that 14 states and 5 Ohio municipalities already have existing legislation on the books. Councilmember Anderson stated that conversion therapy is pseudo- science and that he has never met another mental health professional who considers it a legitimate response to an underlying mental health problem. Councilmember O'Malley expressed that he introduced the ordinance to send a message to the community that we value our youth and because it is the right thing to do. He further stated that he is unaware of conversion therapy happening in Lakewood but noted that it was happening in Cincinnati in the case of a transgender girl who killed herself. The Committee did discuss that pastors and clergy would not be impacted by this legislation because it applies only to licensed counselors. Director Butler explained how the ordinance calls on the Human Rights Commission to investigate complaints of conversion therapy being practiced. The committee discussed minor stylistic changes to the language of the ordinance and made those changes. Those changes are noted in the version on our agenda this evening. Members of the public expressed support and excitement that Lakewood would be the first Northeast Ohio community to pass such an ordinance, should it pass this evening. I did ask, and I think they were not able to, that a member of the Cleveland Clinic Family Health Center be present to discuss some of the program offerings at the Cleveland Clinic Family Health Center. A motion was made and seconded to recommend Ordinance 41 -18 as substituted and that motion passed unanimously. Motion by Mr. Litten, seconded by Mr. O'Leary to receive and file that oral report. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. 2. SUBSTITUTE ORDINANCE NO. 41 -18 - AN ORDINANCE amending Chapter 516, Discrimination Prohibited, of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Lakewood to prohibit any psychiatric treatment, including conversion therapy, which purpose is an attempt to change an individual's sexual orientation. (PLACED ON 1sT READING AND REFERRED TO HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES 9/17/18, 2nd READING 10/1/18) (pg.') Motion by Mr. O'Leary, seconded by Mr. Anderson to adopt Substitute Ordinance 41 -18. * ** *PUBLIC COMMENT * * **