Conversion “Therapy” Ban Recommended for Adoption

MILWAUKEE – Today, the Health Equity, Human Needs and Strategic Planning committee approved a resolution, authored by Milwaukee County Supervisor Peter Burgelis, which declares Milwaukee County’s official position of opposition to conversion “therapy”. Supervisor Burgelis and Chairwoman Nicholson made the following statements:  

“Conversion ‘therapy’ is a harmful and ineffective practice that is based on the false assumption that sexual orientation or gender identity is a defect that can be changed or ‘cured’, which is not supported by any credible scientific evidence,” said Supervisor Burgelis. “Milwaukee County has a responsibility to promote the mental health and well-being of all its residents.” 

“I stand wholeheartedly with our LGBTQ community across Milwaukee and beyond,” said Chairwoman Nicholson “Conversion therapy is a cruel and ineffective attempt to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, and it has no place in our society. We must fight for equity and inclusion for all people, regardless of their race, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Let us stand together in solidarity and continue to push for a world where everyone is accepted and celebrated for who they are.” 

Several community leaders shared testimony with the committee, including City of Milwaukee Equal Rights Commission Chairperson Tony Snell Rodriguez who said “Conversion therapy can be dangerous and even deadly. It is unacceptable to allow ‘therapeutic’ practices that aim to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.” Fair Wisconsin Executive Director Megin McDonell stated “On behalf of Fair Wisconsin we are thrilled about this important step forward and look forward to its passage by the full Board of Supervisors.” 

The resolution was recommended for adoption by the Committee on Health Equity, Human Needs and Strategic Planning [4-1] with Supervisors Rolland, Coggs-Jones, Staskunas, and Wasserman voting in favor of the resolution and Supervisor Alexander voting no.  

The resolution mirrors policy previously adopted by Appleton, Cudahy, Eau Claire, Glendale, Kenosha, La Crosse, Madison, the City of Milwaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Shorewood, Sun Prairie, Superior, and West Allis. Additionally, it calls on the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board to adopt a formal policy to condemn conversion “therapy” and would prevent any County funds from being allocated towards the practice.  

The full Milwaukee County Board will take up the resolution at their meeting on March 23, 2023. 

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.