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Two Missouri Cities Reach Different Outcomes On Conversion Therapy

By Steve Kraske,

Published July 28, 2021 at 5:04 PM CDT

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Rainbow flag blowing in a backyard. — Currently 95 cities and 24 states in the U.S. have some form of ban on conversion therapy.

Both North Kansas City and Independence recently introduced legislation banning the practice of conversion therapy on minors. In one city it passed. In the other it did not.

Conversion therapy is the controversial practice of using psychological or spiritual counseling to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. We ask leaders from North Kansas City and Independence what spurred the introduction of these bills and how each city council's decision will affect their residents.

Bryant DeLong, mayor of North Kansas City
Thad McCullough, chair of the Human Relations Commission in Independence

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Trevor Grandin

Trevor Grandin is a contributing producer for KCUR Studios.

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Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

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