HomeMy WebLinkAbout5695-05.01.2023 (FAILED) ORDINANCE NO. 5695
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF WATERLOO CODE OF
ORDINANCES BY ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 12,YOUTH MENTAL
HEALTH PROTECTION, TITLE 3, BUSINESS AND LICENSE
REGULATION.
WHEREAS, contemporary science recognizes that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or
transgender is part of the natural spectrum of human identity and is not a disease, disorder, or
Illness;
WHEREAS, conversion therapy has been rejected by every major medical and mental
health organization, including the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric
Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American
Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Counseling Association, American
Psychoanalytic Association, American School Counselor Association an School Health
Association, National Association of Social Workers, and the Pan American 4%
Organization;
WHEREAS,the advertising and provision of conversion therapy in exchang monetary
compensation is consumer fraud;
WHEREAS, conversion therapy leads to c ' health risks includin nxiety, depression,
decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, homelessness, s e;�
WHEREAS, minors are especi vulnerable to th s a dated with conversion
therapy;
WHEREAS,the City h mpellin terest in protecting the physical and psychological
well-being of minors, including les ay, bisexual, and transgender youth, and in protecting its
minors against exposure to serious har used by conversion therapy.
NOW, THERE , BE IT ORDA Y THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WATERLOO, IOW S F S:
S ection 1. That a n Chapter 2, Youth Mental Health Protection, of Title 3, Business
andLi e Reg tion, be e cted as follows:
CHAPTER 12
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH PROTECTION
SECTION:
3-12-1: DEFINITIONS
3-12-2: CONVERSION THERAPY PROHIBITED
3-12-3: ENFORCEMENT
3-12-4: PENALTIES
3-12-5 SEVERABILITY
3-12-1: DEFINITIONS:
SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY CHANGE EFFORTS, OR CONVERSION
THERAPY: Means any practices or treatments that seek to change an individual's sexual
orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to
eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same
gender. Sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts do not include counseling that
provides assistance to a person undergoing gender transition or that provides acceptance, support,
and understanding of a person or facilitates a person's coping, social support, and identity
exploration and development, including sexual-orientation-neutral interventions to prevent or
address unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices, as long as such counseling does not seek to
change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity.
MEDICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL: Means any individual who is licensed by
a local, state, federal, or other regulatory body to engage in a profession related to physical or
mental health, including any students, interns, trainees, apprentices, or assistants who provide
medical or mental health services under the auspices, guidance, or supervision of a licensed
medical or mental health professional.
3-12-2: CONVERSION THERAPY PROHIBITED:
No medical or mental health professional shall engage in conversion therapy with a minor within
the City.
3-12-3: ENFORCEMENT:
The City Attorney shall enforce the provisions of this ordinance. I h ity Attorn receives a
report of a violation of this ordinance, the City Attorne or the City Attorn 's desig shall mail
to the medical or mental health professional writt (or
to immediate ease nd desist the
violation. The failure of the medical or mental health professional to im that cease and desist
shall subject the medical or mental health professional to civil penal p ovided in Section 4
of this chapter.
3-12-4: PENALTIES:
A violation of Section 2 of this c r is a al I ction pursuant to 1-3-2 of the City
Code. Each day in violation constitut parate o
3-12-5 SEVERABILI
If any provis&bn or clause f th' c is application to any person or in any circumstances
is held invalid, such invalidio shall n affect other provisions or applications of this chapter,
which can be gi n effect without the invalid provision, or application, and to this end, the
provision th' ter shall be severable.
Section is ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as pro y law.
INTRODU ED: , 2023
PASSED 1st CONSIDERATION: , 2023
PASSED 2nd CONSIDERATION: , 2023
PASSED 3rd CONSIDERATION: 12023
PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of , 2023.
Quentin Hart, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk