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The Linn County Board of Supervisors have passed an ordinance banning conversion therapy--which is any effort to change a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The conversion therapy ban also applies in unincorporated areas of Linn County.
The board heard from residents on both sides of the issue. Cedar Rapids resident Randy Walker was against the ban. He told the board, "This ordinance would handcuff a large percentage of our pastors trying to help people through their most difficult times."
Emily Kuhnrod of Cedar Rapids supported the conversion therapy ban and urged the Board to pass it, saying "Why should Linn County wait for Iowa to make a decision we are capable of making. Conversion therapy has NO place in Linn County.
The Board passed the ordinance on a 2-1 vote.
Linn County is the first county in Iowa to pass an ordinance banning conversion therapy. The city of Davenport passed a similar ordinance in 2020.