Statement of Alderman Cavalier “Chevy” Johnson:
I want to thank my colleagues on the Public Safety and Health Committee for their vote earlier today to recommend approval of my legislation that would ban conversion therapy in Milwaukee.
The majority agreed that conversion therapy – the practice of trying to change a person’s sexual orientation by utilizing violent and damaging methods – has no place in the City of Milwaukee.
Conversion therapy has been found to cause long-lasting harmful effects including depression, suicidality and substance abuse. The practice is scientifically unfounded and has been refuted by virtually every major medical and psychological organization in the United States.
On its face I believe conversion therapy is an abdication of our community’s embrace of diversity, I am optimistic the full Council will support my legislation and I am looking forward to our vote on the measure during the next regular meeting on March 27.
Last, I want to thank my co-sponsors on the legislation for their support: Alderman Tony Zielinski, Alderman José G. Pérez, and Alderman Nik Kovac.
