KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, City Council approved two proposals Thursday championed by Mayor Quinton Lucas.
The first measure bans conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy or “ex-gay” therapy, within city limits. The scientifically discredited practice attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, often through psychotherapy.
Kansas City joins Columbia, Missouri, in banning the practice, which remains legal in both Kansas and Missouri.
The council on Thursday also passed the mayor’s proposal aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. The ordinance allows police to arrest a person carrying a firearm who has been convicted of domestic violence, whether a felony or misdemeanor.
It also applies to those who have been issued restraining orders.
The new ordinance follows one approved in August that makes it illegal for minors to possess handguns and to sell guns to minors.
Lucas has made local gun safety measures a priority for his administration.
The mayor tweeted about both the conversion therapy ban and the gun ordinance on Thursday afternoon, hailing them as measures that will "save lives."
PASSED:
— Mayor Quinton Lucas (@MayorLucasKC) November 14, 2019
✔️ Mayor Lucas ordinance that will keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers
✔️Mayor Lucas ordinance that will ban conversion therapy for minors
Thank you to the many, many community advocates who've led efforts on both of these policies – they will save lives.
