HomeMy WebLinkAbout25. 21-491SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 21-491 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED ___5-0___ LOST ______ LAID OVER ______WITHDRAWN _______)
PURPOSE: SUPPORT STATEWIDE BAN ON CONVERSION THERAPY
INITIATED BY: DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, “Conversion therapy” means any practice that seeks to change an
individual's gender expression, gender identity, or sexual orientation, including efforts
to change behaviors or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings
toward individuals of the same sex; and
WHEREAS, national mental health organizations, including the American
Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical
Association, and the American Counseling Association, have concluded that conversion
therapy has been ineffective and creates a potential risk of serious harm to those who
experience it; and
WHEREAS, a report of the American Psychological Association’s Task Force on
Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation concluded that there were
anecdotal reports of harm, including depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, and
substance abuse as a result of conversion therapy; and
WHEREAS, the American School Counselor Association has concluded that
homosexuality and bisexuality are not illnesses and do not require treatment, and that
being transgender is not a mental disorder; and
WHEREAS, the American Academy of Pediatrics has found that conversion
therapy can promote guilt and anxiety; and
WHEREAS, the American Psychoanalytic Association has determined that
conversion therapy may contribute to an enduring sense of stigma and self-criticism; and
WHEREAS, a 2019 report by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law found
that an estimated 20,000 LGBTQ minors in states without protections will be subjected to
conversion therapy by a licensed healthcare professional if state officials fail to act; and
SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 21-491 RESOLUTION
CONT’D
WHEREAS, Wisconsin is one of twenty-six (26) states that has no state law or
policy banning conversion therapy practices that attempt to change the sexual orientation
or gender identity of LGBTQ youth; and
WHEREAS, several Wisconsin cities, including Milwaukee, Madison, Eau Claire,
West Allis, Sheboygan, Appleton, Cudahy, and Racine have enacted ordinances to
protect the physical and psychological well-being of minors, including lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender youth, and to protect them against the exposure to serious
negative impacts caused by conversion therapy, by banning such practices in their
communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Wausau adopted a resolution condemning the practice of
conversion therapy as an alternative to an outright ban, as such regulation is an issue of
statewide concern; and
WHEREAS, the City of Oshkosh Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, at its
August 30, 2021, meeting, recommended that the Oshkosh Common Council consider a
resolution condemning conversion therapy; and
WHEREAS, the City of Oshkosh remains fully committed to holding a vision of
recognizing diversity as a key strength of our community, celebrating the unique
contributions of all its members, and nurturing a sense of belonging to each individual;
and
WHEREAS, in advancing this Resolution, the Oshkosh community speaks with
one voice that the practice of conversion therapy is not acceptable in our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Oshkosh does hereby
proclaim our renewed and ongoing commitment to be a diverse and inclusive
community, so that all who live and work in, and visit Oshkosh feel welcomed; and that
the Common Council of the City of Oshkosh hereby condemns the practice of conversion
therapy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby supports a
statewide ban on conversion therapy practices, and directs the City Clerk to send copies
of this resolution to local State of Wisconsin legislators and Governor Tony Evers.