(She voted in favor of the legislation today.) Mayor Bill Peduto plans to sign the bill, according to a spokesperson.Ĭouncil voted 8-0 during standing committee last week to advance the legislation, with Councilmember Darlene Harris abstaining over concerns about the legality of the ban.
The practice can cause “ depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior” in those who are subjected to it, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Kraus, the first openly gay member of council, has called it “soul murder.” The bill bars all mental health professionals within city limits from engaging “in sexual orientation or gender identity or expression conversion efforts with a minor.” The legislation was introduced by Council President Bruce Kraus and Councilmember Dan Gilman in response to the election of Donald Trump. Pittsburgh City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to ban conversion therapy of LGBTQ minors, joining several states and other cities in doing so.
