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Ban on conversion therapy stands in La Crosse

Rally organizers say the ban is in direct violation of freedom of speech and religion

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A Pride flag is displayed at the entrance of 'The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection' advocacy organization in downtown La Crosse.
A Pride flag is displayed at the entrance of ‘The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection’ advocacy organization in downtown La Crosse. Photo courtesy of The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection

The mayor of La Crosse has refused to veto the city’s ban on conversion therapy, despite pressure from a coalition group.

The coalition includes people from local churches, led by former City Council members Tom Sweeney and Lorraine Decker.

They rallied outside City Hall Tuesday afternoon ahead of a 5 p.m. veto deadline for Mayor Mitch Reynolds.

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Rally organizers say the ban is in direct violation of the freedom of speech and religion.

Conversion therapy is a controversial practice that often impacts the LGBTQ community by aiming to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

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