Broward prohibits conversion therapy

Practice seeks to make gay kids straight

A controversial therapy that seeks to make gay kids straight is now banned in Broward County.

The commission’s action Tuesday follows the lead of Palm Beach County commissioners in December and about 15 Florida cities over the past several years in saying licensed professionals should not subject children to the practice known as conversion therapy.

The goal of the psychiatric therapy treatments is to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It targets children who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender or questioning their sexual identity.

“What we could better do for our youth is create environments of community and familial acceptance and support,” said Wilton Manors resident Paul Smith, who supported the ban.

Conversion therapy can involve counseling sessions focused on traditional gender notions, where gay children and teens are told they can change their orientation and become a “real man” or “feminine woman.”

Online advertisements for the therapy say individuals dealing with “unwanted same-sex attraction” can be helped through “intensive emotional-healing work.”

The Broward ban was opposed by Bernie Diaz, an ordained minister at Christ Community Church in Pembroke Pines, who asked commissioners to “consider the equal civil rights of people of faith” who voluntarily seek conversion.

Robert Otto, a therapist, said the ban would prevent him from helping youth who come to him “who do want to change” and are concerned about “unwanted romantic or sexual feelings.”

Supporters of the ban said youth don’t voluntarily seek out such therapy, but are pressured into it by family or others.

“They do not have free will,” said Katharine Campbell, a licensed clinical social worker. “This bans helps to make sure dangerous practices are not being used.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association have opposed conversion therapy on minors. Critics say the practice can have devastating effects on youth and can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts and substance abuse.

The commission-approved ban applies countywide, although cities would have the ability to opt out or write their own ordinance if they chose to do so.

The county ban has a $250 fine for a first violation and a $500 fine for each subsequent violation.

Wilton Manors and Oakland Park already have bans in place in the county over the use of such therapy by licensed professionals. Other South Florida bans are in effect in Boca Raton, Miami, Miami Beach, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Wellington and Key West.

The commission vote was 8-0, with Commissioner Steve Geller absent.