13 Wisconsin cities, towns have banned conversion therapy

In a state whose Republican legislature has been striking down almost every policy proposal by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and legislating conservative bullet points, thirteen municipalities have taken one LGBT issue into its own hands.

These cities and towns have banned conversion therapy within their city limits.

The latest is Sun Prairie, Wis. On Tuesday, its city council banned the practice of “curing” homosexuality—and increasingly transgender identity in children—through forced behavioral change. In some cases, unproven electroshock treatments are forced on conversion therapy victims.

“The conversion ban ordinance is another step in making this community a place where all are welcome and protected,” Mayor Paul Esser said in a statement.

The American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, among other internationally renowned authorities of medicine, say conversion therapy is not grounded in any real science.

It cannot “cure” homosexuality. It cannot “cure” transgender identity.

They agree homosexuality and gender identity are naturally occurring life experiences.

Wisconsin is one of 31 states that have introduced restrictions for transgender persons—including bans on competing with their gender identity in public elementary, high school, and college sports. Some states are attempting to ban access, or create barriers to access, to therapies that will help a person transition.