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Ferndale bans conversion therapy, classifies it as a misdemeanor

Posted at 8:56 AM, Oct 15, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-15 18:11:55-04

FERNDALE, Mich. (WXYZ) — The city of Ferndale became the second city in Michigan to ban the controversial gay conversion therapy. On Monday night, the city council voted unanimously to enact the ordinance.

It was introduced by Councilmember Julia Music, who serves as a community advocate for LGBTQAI individuals and also manages the city's Ferndale Pride event.

“It’s essential for LGBTQAI people to have access to proper mental health care, and for those who are impacted by conversion therapy to access care that can start to undo the harm conversion tactics inflict,” Music said in a release. “Council bringing up a ban on this therapy continues our mission of building safe and inclusive space to all people.”

“Conversion therapy is hurting and killing people,” Affirmations Executive Director Dave Garcia said. “I’ve seen for myself the damage this practice does to our youth. It’s not therapy, and we should not allow it in our city.”

Nearby Huntington Woods became the first city in the state to ban conversion therapy in June. That ordinance also passed unanimously and received applause from the audience following the vote.

According to the city, the ban will go into effect when the ordinance has been published.