HomeMy WebLinkAbout5701-05.15.2023 Civil Rights Conversion Therapy 2023docxPrepared by Kelley Felchle, Clerk, City of Waterloo, 715 Mulberry Street, Waterloo, IA 50703,
(319) 291-4323.
ORDINANCE NO. 5701
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF WATERLOO CODE OF
ORDINANCES BY ADDING ARTICLE C, UNFAIR PRACTICES -
CONVERSION THERAPY, TO CHAPTER 3, HUMAN RIGHTS, TITLE 5,
POLICE REGULATIONS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATERLOO, IOWA
AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That Article C, Unfair Practices -Conversion Therapy, Chapter 3, Human Rights,
Title 5, Police Regulations is enacted as follows:
5-3C-1 Purpose.
To protect individuals from the serious harms caused by conversion therapy or sexual
orientation or gender identity change efforts and protect the physical and psychological well-
being of minors through the exercise of the police power of the City for the public safety, health,
and welfare by liberally construing this chapter to accomplish that purpose.
5-3C-2 Definitions.
"Sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts," also referred to as "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.
5-3C-3 Unfair Practices -Conversion Therapy.
A. It is a violation for any medical or mental health professional to provide or advertise
sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts to a minor, regardless of whether the
provider receives compensation in exchange for such services.
B. If the Director or City Attorney or their designees receives a report of an alleged
violation of this Chapter, the Director or City Attorney or their designees may issue a letter
notifying the provider that provision of conversion therapy or sexual orientation or gender
identity change efforts is prohibited. The act of sending an advisory letter does not preclude any
other enforcement power of the Commission or other body.
Section 2. If any section, provision or part of this chapter shall be adjudged invalid or
unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of this chapter as a whole or any
section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.
Ordinance No. 5701
Page 2
Section 3. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as provided by law.
INTRODUCED: May 15, 2023
PASSED 1st CONSIDERATION: May 15, 2023
PASSED 2nd CONSIDERATION: May 15, 2023
PASSED 3rd CONSIDERATION: May 15_, 2023
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of May, 2023.
QuertEuz 9% crE 1
Quentin Hart, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kerrey Ferckre
OXED
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk
SEAL