On Monday, the Roeland Park City Council and the Prairie Village City Council each approved amendments to their existing bans on pediatric gender‑changing counseling, also known as conversion therapy. The changes were crafted to meet a “viewpoint‑neutral” standard after Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach warned the cities that their original ordinances likely violated the First Amendment.
Local councils act to preserve protections
Both councils voted overwhelmingly in favor of the revisions. Roeland Park approved its amendment by an 8‑0 vote (Councilmember Tom Madigan was absent), while Prairie Village passed a similar measure 8‑3, with Councilmembers Terry O’Toole, Nick Reddell and Andy Logan casting dissenting votes.
The amended language continues to prohibit any counseling that seeks to direct a patient toward a predetermined sexual orientation or gender identity outcome, regardless of the outcome sought. However, it now clarifies that neutral counseling – that does not attempt to steer a patient toward a specific result – is not barred. This approach aligns the city ordinances with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Chiles v. Salazar, which struck down Colorado’s ban as unconstitutional because it regulated speech based on viewpoint.
Attorney General’s letters prompt compliance
In July, Attorney General Kobach sent letters to the mayors of Prairie Village and Roeland Park (and a third to Lawrence) demanding repeal of the bans within 60 days, citing the Supreme Court ruling. He argued that the ordinances constituted viewpoint discrimination by allowing only one perspective on counseling for gender‑transitioning individuals.
City Attorney Alex Aggen told the Prairie Village council that the new ordinance is “viewpoint‑neutral” but warned that future challenges are possible. He also confirmed that the language complies with the Chiles v. Salazar decision.
Enforcement provisions remain
Violators of the updated bans could face fines up to $1,000 and the possible loss of a business license within the city. Both ordinances continue to cite the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association, which have determined that counseling aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity is harmful and ineffective.
Although no licensed practitioners of pediatric gender‑changing counseling are known to operate in either city, the councils chose to preserve the protective intent of the original bans while respecting constitutional limits on speech.
Community response
When Roeland Park first adopted its ban in 2020, it was celebrated as a safeguard for minors against the serious harms associated with such counseling. Some local advocates shared personal testimonies of having endured the practice as youths. Prairie Village’s original ordinance, passed a year later, sparked debate over whether it was “virtue signaling” given the lack of known providers.
By amending the ordinances rather than repealing them, both cities demonstrate a commitment to protecting families and upholding constitutional principles – a balance that aligns with the values of faith, family and individual liberty cherished by our community.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
