The Waterloo City Council passed a conversion therapy ban in the spring of 2023. When potential litigation left the council worried about a costly court battle, the ban was repealed in August.
Waterloo council discusses potential ban on conversion therapy
WATERLOO — The city of Waterloo could be the third local government in Iowa to ban conversion therapy.
The City Council discussed the issue during a Monday work session. Conversion therapy is defined as an attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Kevin Bacon is raising awareness about LGBTQ+ conversion therapy and hoping to raise $50,000 for the non-profit organization Born Perfect. Born Perfect works within the legal system to ensure the safety of LGBTQ+ people and end the practice of conversion therapy. Bacon stars in the new Peacock movie They/Them which is about a killer who is on the loose at a conversion camp.
Waterloo conversion therapy ban clears first hurdle, faces 2 more readings
WATERLOO — After more than an hour of public comments, the City Council approved a ban on conversion therapy Monday but it must pass two more readings to become law.
The ordinance spearheaded by Ward 2 Councilmember Jonathan Grieder aims to outlaw the practice of attempting to change someone’s sexual or gender identity in Waterloo.
Waterloo council postpones further readings of conversion ban ordinance until May 1
WATERLOO — The City Council postponed a vote on a proposed conversion therapy ban after the issue attracted an overflow crowd to the council chambers Monday night.
Dozens of residents didn’t get the chance to speak after the council postponed discussion until May 1. Residents filled the council chambers and the overflow meeting room, leaving many to stand against the wall.
We Say Gay: Waterloo LGBTQ+ rally gathers community
WATERLOO — As a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors made its way to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ desk, LGBTQ+ advocates in the Cedar Valley raised their voices in opposition to the measure.
The protesters gathered downtown in Lincoln Park on Wednesday night as snow flurries started.
Waterloo City Council meeting rules questioned by public
WATERLOO — Amid disputes over headwear and calls for recess, residents in Waterloo have recently come to question the way the City Council runs its meetings.
At Monday’s council meeting, a few people spoke up about the issue during public comment in regards to time limits, rules suspension and wearing hats.
Firefighters responded to a blaze in an apartment at Crossroads Square Senior Housing, 1820 E. Ridgeway Ave., Waterloo, Iowa, on Friday, March 10, 2023.
Waterloo council votes down conversion therapy ban; amended version presented at next meeting
WATERLOO — A proposed conversion therapy ban that returned to the City Council on Monday following a long pause in the approval process will be revised.
After a work session and almost an hour of public comments during the council meeting, the second reading of the ordinance failed 6-1. Only Ward 2 Councilmember Jonathan Grieder, who proposed the ban, voted in favor.
kAm%96 AC@A@D65 2>6?5>6?E 492?86D E9:?8D FA 2 3:E]k^Am
Kevin Bacon is raising awareness about LGBTQ+ conversion therapy and hoping to raise $50,000 for the non-profit organization Born Perfect. Born Perfect works within the legal system to ensure the safety of LGBTQ+ people and end the practice of conversion therapy. Bacon stars in the new Peacock movie They/Them which is about a killer who is on the loose at a conversion camp.
Conversion therapy ban returns to Waterloo City Council
WATERLOO — A revised ordinance that would ban conversion therapy will make its initial appearance before the City Council Monday.
This comes after councilmembers voted down the original proposed ordinance two weeks ago. Now, the first reading of the amended version will be heard during the 5:30 p.m. meeting in the council chambers at City Hall.
WATERLOO — Two months after the introduction of an ordinance and following multiple hours of public comments, the city has banned the practice of conversion therapy.
Conversion therapy is the practice of attempting to change someone who doesn’t identify as heterosexual to become heterosexual.
Kevin Bacon is raising awareness about LGBTQ+ conversion therapy and hoping to raise $50,000 for the non-profit organization Born Perfect. Born Perfect works within the legal system to ensure the safety of LGBTQ+ people and end the practice of conversion therapy. Bacon stars in the new Peacock movie They/Them which is about a killer who is on the loose at a conversion camp.
Waterloo council may repeal conversion therapy ban at special meeting Monday
WATERLOO — Months after a conversion therapy ban was put in place, the City Council could repeal the divisive ordinance Monday.
A special session will be held at 4:30 p.m. in the council chambers of City Hall during which an amendment to the city code will be considered to repeal the conversion therapy ordinance. If the repeal is passed by the council and the rules are suspended to allow the second and third readings, the change could be adopted Monday.
Waterloo council takes first step to repeal conversion therapy ban passed in the spring
WATERLOO — The City Council took an initial step Monday to repeal a controversial ordinance meant to protect LGBTQ+ youths.
The first of three readings to get rid of a conversion therapy ban put in place in May was approved 4-3 at a special session. Councilmembers Jonathan Grieder, Nia Wilder and Belinda-Creighton Smith dissented.
Photos: Sen. Grassley at Crystal Cold, Aug. 15, 2023
081523jr-crystal-grassley-4
Sen. Charles Grassley, left, talks with Tom Poe, president of Crystal Cold and Mayor Quentin Hart during a tour of the company’s plant in Waterloo on Tuesday.
JEFF REINITZ
081523jr-crystal-grassley-1
Sen. Charles Grassley, left, talks with Tom Poe, president of Crystal Cold during a tour of the company’s plant in Waterloo on Tuesday.
JEFF REINITZ
081523jr-crystal-grassley-2
Sen. Charles Grassley, left, shakes hands with Mayor Quentin Hart during a tour of Crystal Cold’s plant in Waterloo on Tuesday.
JEFF REINITZ
081523jr-crystal-grassley-5
Sen. Charles Grassley, left, talks with Tom Poe, president of Crystal Cold during a tour of the company’s plant in Waterloo on Tuesday.
The council voted 4-3 to end the ban, instituted in May, after some councilmembers and the mayor admitted the repeal was because of the threat of a lawsuit.
The law, which bans doctors in the state from providing puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries to children to treat gender dysphoria, became enforceable on Monday.
