Cuyahoga County first in Ohio to ban conversion therapy targeting gender identity and sexual orientation

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cuyahoga County, on Tuesday, became the first county in Ohio to ban the use of conversion therapy on minors and vulnerable adults.

County Council, including 10 Democrats and one Republican, unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting the practice, which attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity using techniques such as food deprivation, chemically induced nausea and electric shock. It’s rooted in the unfounded belief – often religious-based – that non-heterosexual, non-cisgender identities are mental disorders that can and should be changed.

The legislation also prohibits contractors who do business with the county from using the practice.

Councilman Robert E. Schleper, who sponsored the legislation, called it a pivotal moment for the county –