Stephen Scott, Assistant Director

Engineering and Community Development

Jennifer Frastai, Director

Engineering and Community Development

Legislative Update:  On October 4, 2017 the City Commission passed this Ordinance on first reading by a 5-0 vote

Issue Statement -  On August 2, 2017, the City Commission, at the request of Mayor John Adornato,  reached consensus to discuss a ban on sexual orientation/identification conversion therapy in the City of Oakland Park.  At the September 6, 2017 City Commission meeting, the discussion was held and a consensus reached for the City Attorney to bring an ordinance forward for consideration on first reading.  On October 4, 2017 the City Commission passed this Ordinance on first reading by a 5-0 vote

Recommended Action: City Commission consideration of an Ordinance  on second reading prohibiting the practice of conversion therapy on minors in the City of Oakland Park. 

The proposed ordinance (attached) prohibits the practice of conversion therapy on minors, including minors that are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning youth. Conversion therapy is defined as counselling or treatment  performed with the goal of changing a minor's gender identity or sexual orientation, whether or not the provider is receiving compensation for their services. The Ordinance excludes members of the clergy acting in their roles as clergy or pastoral counselors that are providing religious counselling to congregants.  Clergy may not hold themselves out as practicing  as a counselor pursuant to several identified Chapters of Florida Statutes that relate to professional training or licensing, or the exemption would not apply to them.

Enforcement of the proposed ordinance would be pursuant to 24-234 of the Code of Ordinances (the special master procedure). Violations will be punishable by a fine of $250 for a first violation, and $500 for each repeat violation. Each day any violation occurs will constitute a separate offense.