Erie City Council passes conversion therapy ban 7-0

By Michael Mahler

On Wednesday, June 5, Erie City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting mental health practitioners from conducting conversion therapy on a minor to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. This was the final step for passing the ordinance.

Speaking in favor of the ban was Rev. Dr. Rich McCarty of Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and Community United Church. Rev. Dr. McCarty pointed out that this type of therapy can have a very harmful effect on youth, sometimes leading to anxiety, depression, and suicide, and that numerous national mental health and human services strongly oppose this type of so-called therapy.

Opposing passage of the ban was Dr. John Diamond, who claimed that passage of the ban would be unconstitutional. He stated that he would file a lawsuit for violation of his civil rights.. In an Erie News Now report he was described as a "conversion therapist counselor."