FERNDALE (WWJ) - The City of Ferndale has banned so-called conversion therapy, aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Ferndale City Council voted unanimously at its Oct. 14 meeting to enact an ordinance banning of conversion therapy within the city limits, according to a release.
The practice will now be classified as a misdemeanor crime, with violations punishable by up to 93 days jail time and a $500 fine.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, conversion therapy -- sometimes known as "gay conversion therapy" or “reparative therapy” -- is a range of "dangerous and discredited practices."
The American Medical Association, American Counseling Association, National Association of Social Workers and American Psychological Association all agree that these so-called therapies are more likely to harm than to help people.
City Councilmember Julia Music, who manages the city’s annual Ferndale Pride event, initiated the ban.
“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,” said Music, in a statement. “Council bringing up a ban on this therapy continues our mission of building safe and inclusive space to all people.”
Dave Garcia, executive director for Affirmations -- metro Detroit's larges LGBTQ community center, which located in Ferndale -- attended the Council meeting to share his support for the ban.
“Conversion therapy is hurting and killing people,” Garcia said. “I’ve seen for myself the damage this practice does to our youth. It’s not therapy, and we should not allow it in our city.”
The ban will go into effect once the ordinance has been published, according to the city.
The Associated Press reports New York City is taking steps to repeal a ban because of concerns that it could be challenged on free-speech grounds. Some states have banned the therapy for minors.