The city of Miami on Tuesday approved a
bill that prohibits therapies that attempt to alter the sexuality or
gender identity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth
(LGBT).
According to the Miami
Herald, commissioners voted 3-2 in favor of an ordinance
banning so-called conversion or “ex-gay” therapy to minors.
Commissioner Frank Carollo, who voted
against the measure, called it an issue better addressed by state
lawmakers.
The Florida Legislature has twice
failed to pass similar legislation.
Commissioner Francis Suarez sponsored
the bill, which reads that “being lesbian, gay, bisexual or
transgender is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency or
shortcoming.”
“When I looked at sort of the
psychological impact of this kind of supposed therapy, I was
troubled,” Suarez told the alternative weekly the Miami
New Times.
LGBT rights group SAVE Dade turned to
local officials after efforts at the state level fizzled. An
ordinance in Miami Beach approved in June was the state's first.
Other Florida cities looking to approve similar legislation include
Wilton Manors, Miami Shores, Bay Harbor Islands and North Bay
Village.