[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.