Politics & Government

Conversion Therapy Banned In Ferndale

Anyone pushing conversion therapy for LGBTQ people in the city of Ferndale could face misdemeanor charges.

FERNDALE, MI — Ferndale is in the process of banning conversion therapy, the controversial technique to convert members of the LGBTQ community. It will be the second city in the state of Michigan to do so, following Huntington Woods' move earlier this year.

WXYZ reported the city council voted unanimously Monday night to enact the ban introduced by Council member Julia Music, who serves as a community advocate for LGBTQ 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.”

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Conversion therapy is the practice of trying to change someone's sexual orientation from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual using psychological or spiritual intervention.

The ban is expected go into effect when the ordinance has been published.

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