Citizens of La Crosse Rally and Call on Mayor to Veto Ban on Conversion Therapy | national news
Some members of the La Crosse community are calling on Mayor Mitch Reynolds to veto the recent ban on conversion therapy approved by La Crosse City Council last week.
The group, led by former city council members Tom Sweeney and Lorraine Decker, sent a veto request to Reynolds on Monday, saying the ban on conversion therapy “would prohibit parents and legal guardians in La Crosse from choosing how advise their own children in private matters concerning sexuality.”
The coalition is also holding a rally outside City Hall on Tuesday afternoon to further communicate its demand to oppose the ban. Reynolds has until 5 p.m. Tuesday to veto the order.
The veto request says the ban violates the rights to freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom to assemble and associate persons set forth in the United States Constitution.
“We believe this order renders illegal the constitutionally protected functions of religious entities and the practices of other counselors and therapists,” the letter states. “It basically targets people for their ideology and personal beliefs, and would certainly be challenged in court at the expense of the taxpayers of La Crosse.”
The current ordinance, passed by a 6-4 vote, bans conversion therapy, a practice that affects the LGBTQ+ community by attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The purpose of the ban, according to the ordinance, is to protect the residents of La Crosse, “particularly the physical and psychological well-being of minors, including non-binary, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, and to protect them from exposure to serious harm from conversion therapy.
As the ban was considered by La Crosse officials, many people spoke out in favor and in opposition to the ban.
IN PHOTOS: Riverfest 2021
River Festival Thursday
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The members of Remix kick off the Thursday music lineup at Riverfest under the band shell Riverside Park.
River Festival Thursday
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Entertainer Kenny Ahem performs on the Family Stage Thursday at Riverfest.
River Festival Thursday
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The Kiddie Express passes through Riverside Park on Thursday during Riverfest.
River Festival Thursday
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People grab a lunchtime bite Thursday at the Riverfest food court.
The river party begins
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Riverfest kicked off Wednesday in downtown La Crosse. The multi-day celebration, founded in 1983, was put on hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic, but is back for five fun-filled days of music, food, games and, of course, fireworks. In this photo, former Commodores and First Mates participate in a flag raising ceremony on Wednesday to open Riverfest 2021 at Riverside Park.
Randy Houser
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Randy Houser takes the stage at Riverfest Thursday night
Randy Houser
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Randy Houser
County Line Road
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County Line Drive plays from the Bandshell on Thursday night
A colorful evening
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A colorful look away from the stage at Riverfest Thursday night
Express track for fun
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Sparta’s John Corens takes the kids on a Friday ride to Riverside Park on his Kiddie Express. The popular children’s ride has been part of Riverfest for seven years.
Altered Five Blues Band
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Altered Five Blues Band Perform Friday Night
On the river
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On the river
Dialed Action Sports Team
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Dialed Action Sports Team
The Shufflin Duprees
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The Shufflin Duprees perform on Saturday
Dialed Action Sports Team
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Dialed Action Sports Team
A popular place
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A popular place
River City Championship Wrestling
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River City Wrestling Saturday
Executives
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The Executives perform on Saturday afternoons
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