GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Some Green Bay alderpersons are speaking out about concerns over conversion therapy.
It’s the practice of attempting to cause a non-heterosexual person to become heterosexual.
On Monday night, the city’s Protection and Policy Committee discussed a resolution opposing the practice within the city. But this isn’t the first time the city has taken up this issue.
Last spring, an attempt to ban conversion therapy in Green Bay failed to pass at a Protection and Policy Committee. The effort was led by Alderman Randy Scannell.
Several municipalities across Wisconsin have bans against conversion therapy. Now, some alders are again looking to add Green Bay to the list — but they’re trying to start off small.
“What we brought forward tonight was a resolution that just tells our community we see you, we hear you and this is not okay,” Green Bay District 7 Alderperson Alyssa Proffitt said.
Proffitt said the resolution would essentially be a statement by the city opposing the practice of conversion therapy, without having any actual enforcement behind it.
The request was brought to the Protection and Policy Committee Monday night, which voted 2-2 on the matter. This means the request will move forward to Common Council, but with no recommendation from the committee.
“It would be that first step of saying, ‘Here’s where the city’s values lie. We are opposed to this practice in the city, we recognize that this practice is harmful, does not help young people,’” Green Bay District 6 Alderperson Joey Prestly said.
The reason Prestly and Proffitt proposed a resolution, rather than an ordinance, is to avoid the possibility of litigation. Currently, the city of La Crosse is facing a lawsuit over its ordinance.
Those who voted against Monday’s recommendation said despite this, they’re still concerned about legal action, even though it’s unlikely.
“I still think that we should let staff wait and see what happens. My belief is we should see what the legal courts come up with,” Green Bay District 3 Alderperson Bill Morgan said.
It’s unclear if conversion therapy is actually taking place in Green Bay, but Prestly and Proffitt said they have talked with constituents who are concerned.
Those opposed to conversion therapy said a resolution sends the right message. Prestly and Proffitt said the practice can have dangerous mental impacts on the LGBTQ+ community.
“No medical organization is recommending conversion therapy, and yet it still happens and it could be happening here,” Prestly said.
Prestly feels Green Bay is behind on this issue, but hopes a possible resolution is a step in the right direction. Common Council is expected to discuss this in their meeting June 24.
