Working with the LGBTQ Commission and Community Leaders, Mayor Lucas, Councilman Duncan Introduce Bill to Ban Therapeutic Practices Causing Suicide and Harm to Innocent Kansas[...]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Working with the Kansas City LGBTQ Commission, community leaders, and legal counsel, Mayor Quinton Lucas and 6th District City Councilman Johnathan Duncan have introduced a new City ordinance banning dangerous and life-threatening therapeutic practices within Kansas City that have proven to lead to suicide, self-harm, and depression among patients, particularly LGBTQ youth. The new ordinance replaces a previous item invalidated by the US Supreme Court's recent decision in Chiles v. Salazar, which threatened conversion therapy bills around the country, including Kansas City, which continues to litigate its original ordinance in court.

"With our revised ban, Kansas City will have the strongest new municipal protections in the country, outlawing discredited therapeutic practices that have harmed generations of youth and adults," said Mayor Lucas. "Our ban, written following the Supreme Court's recent Chiles decision, follows the Court's First Amendment dictates while affirming the right of Kansas City to protect the lives, safety, and health of all Kansas Citians, particularly LGBTQ community members, who too often have been prey to these life-threatening therapeutic practices. Although we are prepared for them, I'd hope for no 'pro-suicide' legal challengers to this fair, reasonable, and humane legislation."

The proposed ordinance outlaws receiving compensation for any non-medically sanctioned, dangerous and life-threatening therapeutic practice that increases the risk of suicide, self-harm, and depression. Punishment includes fines per each incident and revocation of business licensing in Kansas City.

"This introduction is the result of collaboration and collective genius of people in our community who have faced the horrors of this practice firsthand," said Councilman Duncan. "Great legislation happens when it is reflective of the lived experiences of impacted people. I'm proud to support legislation that uplifts the voices of our community and look forward to the continued work ahead."

The item will be heard at City Council this month.

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