HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-337-05.15.2023Prepared by LeAnn M. Even, Deputy City Clerk, City of Waterloo, 715 Mulberry Street,
Waterloo, IA 50703, (319) 291-4323.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-337
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LGBTQ+ WATERLOO
RESIDENTS.
WHEREAS, according to the nation's leading medical and mental health organizations,
the term "conversion therapy" refers to any practice or treatment that seeks to change the sexual
orientation or gender identity of a patient or client; and
WHEREAS, "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.; and
WHEREAS, conversion therapy has been associated with high rates of depression and
suicidality among minors; and
WHEREAS, conversion therapy has been disavowed by the nation's leading medical and
mental health organizations, including but not limited to the American Academy of Pediatrics,
the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American College of Physicians,
the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American
Psychological Association, the American Psychoanalytic Association, the National Association
of Social Workers, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the American
Counseling Association, and the American School Counselor Association; and
WHEREAS, the City of Waterloo values every member of our diverse and vibrant
community regardless of sexual orientation, or gender identity; and
WHEREAS, the City of Waterloo seeks to protect and defend all our community
members from barbaric and discredited medical practices; and
WHEREAS, the City of Waterloo joins with community partners and medical and mental
health professionals in seeking solutions to reduce rates of depression and suicidality impacting
our community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of Waterloo swore an oath to protect and defend the U.S.
Constitution which guarantees all people the right to exist, to love, and to be equally protected
under the law;
WHEREAS, the General Assembly of the State of Iowa has passed a series of anti-
LGBTQ+ that threatens the very right of LGBTQ Iowans to be treated equally and fairly before
the law
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WATERLOO, IOWA, as follows:
The City of Waterloo affirms, defends, and stands in allyship with our LGBTQ+ citizens
and their fundamental human rights, and;
The City Council of Waterloo affirms their constitutional duty to defend and ensure the
equal protection of all citizens regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Resolution 2023-337
Page 2
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of May 2023.
Querlin narE
Quentin Hart, Mayor
ATTEST:
xeffey FefchCe
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk
SEAL