Jackson County Conversion Therapy Ban FAIL Amid Culture War

Or . . .

COURTHOUSE ACTIVISTS & POLITICOS STAY LOSING WHAT SHOULD BE EASY LEGISLATION!!!

Here's the real behind the scenes that most newsies don't understand . . .

This topic has been a clusterf*ck with multiple activists wanting to take credit and put this one on their résumé . . . Meanwhile, we applaud our conservative legislators for stepping in and adding even more confusion to a busted process . . . 

Here are the basics . . .

"The county’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee spent over two months working on the proposed ordinance to ban this practice. The committee held a public hearing last week and then voted to send it to the LEGISLATURE. "

More deets . . . 

"To begin the discussion about the ordinance, Sean Smith (6th district) objected to the DEI committee’s recommendation to adopt the ordinance by suggesting the addition of three amendments, focused on removing language Smith found confusing—including the use of the phrase “sexual preference” because he felt it expressed “opinion” language which he felt had no place in government documents

"This amendment was argued against by Jeanie Lauer (5th district) and passionately opposed by Jalen Anderson (1st district At-large)

"Lauer even drew a laugh from the crowd and other legislators when she pointed out that, contrary to what Smith requested, removing language from documents is often how they become more vague and difficult to understand."

Here's probably the most important word . . .

Jackson County Executive Statement

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement in response to the Jackson County Legislature’s failure to pass Ordinance 5711, which would ban conversion therapy for minors:

“I am disappointed that the Jackson County Legislature failed to send a clear message today that LGBTQ+ youth should be valued, respected and treated with the same dignity that every human being deserves. Conversion therapy is a dangerous practice that is discredited by every major medical and health organization. I commend Legislator Jalen Anderson for publicly pouring his heart out, sharing his very moving story, and letting children know they’re not alone. I encourage anyone who cares about protecting kids to attend the county legislative meetings until the legislation is passed and I sign it into law.”

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Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Jackson County lawmakers don't pass conversion therapy ban

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A vote to ban conversion therapy in Jackson County failed on Monday after months in committee. Jackson County legislator Manny Abarca said the ban didn't pass by a singular vote. Three lawmakers abstained from voting, resulting in a 5-1 vote. The measure needed six votes to pass.

Jackson County Legislature fails to pass ordinance banning conversion therapy

The Jackson County Legislature holds a vote to ban conversion therapy March 20. // Photo by Sarah Moore Today, Jackson County Legislature was set-and expected-to pass an ordinance banning the practice of conversion therapy. After some procedural delays, a five-to-one vote with three abstentions failed to cross the threshold of six required votes to adopt the ban.

Jackson County conversion-therapy ban fails despite emotional discussion

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Emotional testimony Monday from Jackson County Legislator Jalen Anderson was not enough to sway colleagues into passing a conversion-therapy ban in the county. Ordinance 5711 failed on despite 5-4 vote after a procedural effort bumped the number of votes required for passage from five to six.

Ban on anti-gay 'conversion therapy' fails in Jackson County Legislature by 1 vote

It's already illegal for health care providers to practice so-called conversion therapy in parts of Jackson County, but the failed ordinance would have outlawed use of the discredited practice on minors across the county and made it easier to report abuse.

Developing . . .

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