In yet another example of America having lost its rational and moral compass, the City Council in Toledo has unanimously approved an ordinance banning gender conversion therapy while declaring gender identity a protected class in the city, regardless of age.
Conversion therapy, which is designed to change a person’s sexual orientation, has been discredited by the medical establishment and denounced by gay and transgender groups.
The conversion-therapy ban was praised earlier in the day during a public hearing by supporters but was criticized by clergymen who asked if they would be prohibited from counseling people who are gay.
The law change, which states “no mental health provider shall engage in sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts with any person,” makes it a misdemeanor of the fourth degree to provide the therapy. Each day in violation is a separate offense — each with a maximum fine of $250.
Wesley Blood, a former pastor who works for the Northwest Ohio Baptist Association, questioned if religious counseling would be exempt.
Stephanie Tate, a Buddhist guiding teacher for Glass City Darma, stressed that there should not be an exemption for clergy to offer conversion therapy. “There is more than enough data that it is harmful,” Ms. Tate said.
Council President Steven Steel, who sponsored the change to the city’s existing discrimination ordinance, said conversion therapy is a “public health risk” and a “public health menace” because of its ill-effects on those who undergo the treatment.
“This law is necessary to protect the health and well-being of the citizens of Toledo,” said Alan Nichols, a University of Toledo Law School student. Mr. Nichols called it an “admirable piece of legislation” that is unlikely to be enacted on the federal level, which is why it is needed on municipal and state levels. Toledo’s law aims to protect anyone, regardless of age.
Mr. Nichols added Toledo is the first city to enact such an expansive conversion-therapy ban that does not only apply to minors.
refugee family that relocated recently to Toledo. One speaker recalled her immigration to America years ago and how she has paid income taxes annually — a reference to speculation that President Trump has for years paid no federal income taxes.
The hundreds gathered for the safe community resolution also applauded when council approved the conversion therapy ban and prohibition against gender identity discrimination.
This is the type of insanity which results when voters do not pay proper attention to the character and caliber of the candidates who present themselves for public office. Elections do have consequences. The apathy of citizens when it comes to not exercising their responsibility to vote has consequences as well.
The actions of the Toledo City Council highlight the hypocrisy of the radical left. For decades, we have heard the left woefully decry government interference with the practice of medicine when it comes to women’s reproductive rights.
Apparently, however, in Toledo, city ordinances trump mental health care professionals in the treatment of their patients.
The sane and sensible citizens of Toledo have a moral responsibility and duty to vote the entire City Council out of office since the vote on this rubbish passed unanimously.
Increasingly, America is becoming a haven for raising every manner of sexual perversion to the status of a legally protected class. At the same time, traditional expressions of normal heterosexuality are becoming less valued and less protected.
When will the madness end! Will it ever end?
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