[Ord. 34-2019, passed 6-5-2019]
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
CONVERSION THERAPY
Any practices or treatment that seeks to convert one's
sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, including efforts
to change behaviors, or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic
attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex. It does
not include psychotherapies that provide assistance to a person undergoing
gender transition or that provide acceptance, support, and understanding
of clients or the facilitation of clients' coping, social support,
and identity exploration and development, including sexual orientation,
neutral interventions to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe
sexual practices, and psychotherapies that do not seek to change sexual
orientation or gender identity or expression.
MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
An individual who is licensed, certified or registered under
the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to provide, to an individual
or a group, mental health services, including, but not limited to,
the assessment or improvement of mental, emotional, psychiatric, psychological,
or psychosocial adjustment or functioning, regardless of whether there
is a diagnosable, pre-existing disorder or disease. Mental health
professionals include, but are not limited to, physicians specializing
in the practice of psychiatry, psychologists, marriage and family
therapists, licensed clinical social workers, professional clinical
counselors, behavioral clinicians or therapists, nurses, or any other
persons offering such mental health service.
MINOR
A person less than 18 years of age.
[Ord. 34-2019, passed 6-5-2019]
No mental health professional shall engage, within the geographic
boundaries of the City of Erie, in conversion therapy with a minor
without regard to whether the mental health professional is compensated
or receives any form of remuneration for his or her services.
[Ord. 34-2019, passed 6-5-2019]
(a) Any person violating any provision of this article shall, upon conviction
thereof in a summary proceeding, be sentenced for each violation to
pay a fine of not more than $600 and cost of prosecution.
(b) In addition to any other remedy provided in this article, the City
may institute proceedings to restrain any violation of, or to require
compliance with, this article.