MINUTES 10-15-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cindy Marx — 1587 Grace Ave. Ms. Marx expressed pride in Lakewood and Council for standing up against prejudice. She noted that the ordinance aligns with the human rights ordinance passed by Council in 2017. She thanked the Ordinance's co- sponsors for protecting Lakewood's youngsters. Alana Jochum — 12511 Madison Ave. Ms. Jochum spoke on behalf of Equality Ohio and expressed strong support for the ordinance. She spoke of the need for this legislation since state licensing boards can not necessarily ban therapeutic practices. She listed all of the professional organizations that have condemned conversion therapy, particularly for minors. She emphasized that being gay is not a disease but part of the normal range of human diversity. She remarked on the harms of conversion therapy. She acknowledged that parents who send their kids to conversion therapy are doing their best but that the promise of converting a person from gay to straight is a lie with potentially negative consequences. She stated that the ordinance sends a clear message to anyone practicing conversion therapy that they are unwelcome in Lakewood and educates parents and youth about this practice. She thanked Council for taking this step. Pastor John Lutz — 2051 Quail Ave. Pastor Lutz opposed the proposed ordinance, stating that it seeks to restrict the speech of those who disagree and will not stand up to a constitutional challenge. He stated that Council cannot regulate thought and conscience and the ordinance was on the wrong side of truth and science. He particularly objected to the substitute version, saying that it makes any discussion of these subjects illegal. Councilmember Bullock expressed support for the ordinance, stating that we should always strive for therapies to be safe and effective and that conversion therapy is neither. Councilmember O'Malley remarked that the ordinance is more than symbolic, as he has been contacted by many people who have had to undergo conversion therapy and that thousands of people have had to endure it. He pointed to the evidence showing how harmful conversion therapy is and expressed his sense of obligation to protect young people from this harm. Councilmember Anderson stated that conversion therapy is not evidence -based practice and that it is impossible for a counselor to be competent in it. He expressed pride in supporting the ordinance. Councilmember Rader expressed that he would be supporting the ordinance and thanked all who worked on it. He remarked on the importance that the local government continues to send a welcoming message to all in Lakewood. Councilmember Litten thanked the ordinance's sponsors for bringing it forward and to Dr. Lambrese of Cleveland Clinic for lending his clinical background. Councilmember O'Leary remarked that the evidence is clear and overwhelming that conversion therapy is harmful. He expressed support for the ordinance and thanked all who worked on it.