Pittsburgh City Councilors Gilman and Kraus to Introduce Conversion Therapy Ban

Via Press Release:

GILMAN AND KRAUS TO INTRODUCE CONVERSION THERAPY BAN 

Legislation would prohibit harmful practice for minors within Pittsburgh 

Sent 11/29/2016 @ 7:04 am 

PITTSBURGH, PA (November 29th, 2016)- During today’s regular meeting of Pittsburgh City Council, Councilman Dan Gilman and Council President Bruce A. Kraus will introduce legislation to ban conversion therapy for LGBTQIA+ youth within Pittsburgh. 

“The City of Pittsburgh bears the responsibility to protect all of its residents and this legislation defends LGBTQIA+ youth against the destructive psychological and physical impact of forced conversion therapy,” said Councilman Gilman. “By passing this legislation, the City is standing up for equality and ensuring that Pittsburgh is a welcoming city for all.” 

“Protecting LGBTQIA+ minors from those who would seek to rob the very essence of one's being is foundational to this legislation,” said Council President Kraus. “Ensuring safe places for discovery, self acceptance, and growth for LGBTQIA+ youth must now and always be our focus." 

Conversion therapy, which seeks to convert one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, is formally opposed by a host of mental health, medical, and social work organizations, including American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, and the National Association of Social Workers.