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An Ordinance amending and supplementing the Allegheny County Code of Ordinances, Division 5, entitled “Health and Sanitation,” through the creation of a new Chapter 540, entitled, “Therapy,” in order to protect the health, safety and well-being of minors living within the County.
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WHEREAS, therapy goals, and the viewpoint expressed within those goals, are constitutionally protected speech under the First Amendment;
WHEREAS, studies have shown that counseling to reduce or manage unwanted same-sex attraction and unwanted feelings regarding gender can be effective when a person’s personal goals align with the goals of the counseling;
WHEREAS, all people, including minors, should be able to receive treatment for the therapy goals they have made for themselves;
WHEREAS, while the goal of seeking to live consistent with one’s beliefs or views regarding sexual attractions or feelings associated with their gender is a legitimate focus for therapy, certain methods of treating minors are physically harmful and ineffective
WHEREAS, the County of Allegheny has a vested interest in protecting the psychological and physical well-being of all minors and preventing the serious harms caused by physically harmful methods of treatment;
WHEREAS, it is the judgment of Council that prohibiting certain physically harmful methods, while preserving the freedom of all persons to pursue their self-determined counseling goals and objectives, will inure to the benefit of those residents;
The Council of the County of Allegheny hereby enacts as follows:
SECTION 1. Incorporation of the Preamble.
The preamble to this Ordinance is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein.
SECTION 2. Amendment of the Code.
The Allegheny County Code of Ordinances, Division 5, entitled "Health and Sanitation," is hereby amended and supplemented through the creation of a new Chapter 540, entitled “Sexual Orient...
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