The Village of Shorewood is pleased to announce recent action by the Village Board of Trustees to protect youth from the discredited and scientifically unsound practice of conversion therapy, which attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Credible behavioral health organizations have disavowed the practice of conversion therapy. Shorewood officials thoroughly reviewed how a ban would be enforced. It was concluded that that any reports of conversion therapy will be referred to the state Department of Safety and Professional Services, which issues licenses for psychologists and other professions.
In the State of Wisconsin, there unfortunately is not a state-wide ban against this practice. Shorewood joins the municipalities of Cudahy, Madison, Milwaukee and Eau Claire as the fifth municipality in the State of Wisconsin to prohibit this practice. The Board’s action prohibits practitioners from practicing conversion therapy for a fee with minor children (under age 18) in the Village. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported on the Board’s action on July 1, 2019.
Almost 50 bills have been introduced in 24 states to ban conversion therapy state-wide throughout given the possible health risks posted by this damaging practice. The Village of Shorewood is urging the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, state and county legislators and neighboring municipalities to further the efforts of banning this practice of conversion therapy in the State of Wisconsin and local levels.