Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City officials are moving to rewrite and strengthen local protections against harmful therapeutic practices after a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision created uncertainty for conversion therapy restrictions across the country.
Mayor Quinton Lucas and 6th District City Councilman Johnathan Duncan have introduced a new city ordinance aimed at banning dangerous, life-threatening therapeutic practices in Kansas City.
The measure was developed with the Kansas City LGBTQ Commission, community leaders and legal counsel. City officials say the goal is to protect residents, especially LGBTQ youth, from practices linked to suicide, self-harm and depression.
The proposal comes after the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Chiles v. Salazar, which threatened conversion therapy bans nationwide. Kansas City’s earlier ordinance was affected by that ruling and remains part of ongoing litigation.
Rather than wait for the courts to settle every question, city leaders have moved forward with a revised version designed to meet the First Amendment requirements outlined by the Court while still protecting public health and safety.
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The new ordinance would prohibit people from receiving compensation for any non-medically sanctioned therapeutic practice considered dangerous and life-threatening because it increases the risk of suicide, self-harm and depression. Penalties would include fines for each incident and the possible revocation of business licenses in Kansas City.
“With our revised ban, Kansas City will have the strongest new municipal protections in the country, outlawing discredited therapeutic practices that have harmed generations of youth and adults,” said Mayor Lucas.
“Our ban, written following the Supreme Court’s recent Chiles decision, follows the Court’s First Amendment dictates while affirming the right of Kansas City to protect the lives, safety, and health of all Kansas Citians, particularly LGBTQ community members, who too often have been prey to these life-threatening therapeutic practices. Although we are prepared for them, I’d hope for no ‘pro-suicide’ legal challengers to this fair, reasonable, and humane legislation.”
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For supporters of the bill, the ordinance is not only a legal response. It is also a community-driven effort shaped by people who have seen the effects of these practices up close. Duncan said the proposal reflects the work and voices of residents who pushed for stronger protections.
“This introduction is the result of collaboration and collective genius of people in our community who have faced the horrors of this practice firsthand,” said Councilman Duncan.
“Great legislation happens when it is reflective of the lived experiences of impacted people. I’m proud to support legislation that uplifts the voices of our community and look forward to the continued work ahead.”
The ordinance is expected to be heard by the City Council this month, where Kansas City leaders will consider whether to adopt the revised ban and place the city among those seeking new legal pathways to protect LGBTQ residents from harmful therapeutic practices.
