PBC bans therapy to change sexual orientation

Palm Beach County is the first county in Florida to ban therapists from trying to change the sexual orientation of children, buoying efforts to prohibit the practice in Broward and elsewhere in the Sunshine State.

Commissioners voted 5-2 Tuesday to approve the ban, despite concerns from the county attorney that their decision could result in a legal challenge.

The regulations will apply to unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County and cities that do not opt out of the rules. Only licensed therapists will be barred from offering conversion therapy to patients younger than 18. Clergy will be exempt.

The ban will take effect as soon as it is filed with Florida Department of State.

Violations will be punishable by fines ranging from $250 to $500 per violation. County officials say enforcement would likely be driven by complaints.

The movement to ban the practice is gathering momentum in South Florida. Several South Florida cities have banned the practice, including Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach and Wilton Manors.

Broward County is take up a ban on Jan. 9.

Palm Beach County Attorney Denise Nieman advised the commission to postpone its vote on banning conversion therapy until a lawsuit directed at a similar ban in Tampa is resolved.

Liberty Counsel, an nonprofit set to Orlando-based that