Jackson County Legislature unanimously passes 'conversion therapy' ban on second try

The metro's strictest restriction of the scientifically discredited practice comes two weeks after the legislature initially failed to pass the ban by a single vote.
The Jackson County Legislature on Monday unanimously approved a ban on so-called conversion therapy for minors, the scientifically discredited practice that seeks to “convert” children and teens to a heterosexual lifestyle or traditional gender roles.

The approval comes two weeks after the ban failed by a single vote, with three legislators abstaining. Jackson County now has the strictest ban in the Kansas City metro. The legislature also approved spending $4,000 to publicize the ban.

The ban establishes a $500 fine for violations but does not include jail time. The ban also prevents organizations who employ people found practicing so-called conversion therapy from receiving any funding from the county.