Mitch Reynolds, Mayor, City of La Crosse, WI
June 13, 2022
Honorable Mayor,
Please veto Section 32-191 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse prohibiting conversion therapy with anyone under the age of 18. This narrowly passed on Thursday, June 9, 2022! Please veto this ordinance for the following reasons:
First and foremost, government has no authority to violate the Constitution of the United States of America; namely, violating the Freedom of Religion and the Free Exercise thereof. Government has no authority to violate free speech and the freedom to assemble and associate amongst persons. Mayors in the United States take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. We ask you to support the constitution and your oath by vetoing the ban on conversion therapy.
Counseling is private conversation and no authority can intervene to ask what is being discussed in private and PRIVILEGED conversations.
Government has no jurisdiction to ban the free meeting or associating amongst persons, including minor children whose parents or guardians send their children to therapy that support their beliefs.
We believe this Ordinance makes illegal constitutionally protected functions of religious entities and the practices of other counselors and therapists. It essentially targets persons for their ideology and personal beliefs, and would certainly be challenged in court at the expense of La Crosse taxpayers.
Parents, legal guardians and citizens at large DO HAVE the right to choose how their children are counseled and guided in these personal, private matters. The Mayor should use his veto power to protect our rights and protect our children. Veto this ordinance. Thank you.