Home Pastors Articles for Pastors Calif. Governor Bans "Reparative Therapy" for Gay Teens

Calif. Governor Bans "Reparative Therapy" for Gay Teens

As reported by CNN.org, California Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law a bill that prohibits therapy aimed at changing the sexual orientation of minors with homosexual tendencies. Gay rights advocates mark this law as a major victory, saying reparative therapy has no basis in medicine because homosexuality is not a disorder. Brown called the practice “quackery” and declared the legislation will prevent these “non-scientific ‘therapies’ that have driven young people to depression and suicide (and) have no basis in science or medicine.”

But the CNN report said practictioners of this therapeutic method say the declarations of the governor and gay rights advocates are not true. David Pickup with the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality says he and other therapists and clients will file lawsuits to challenge the law.

“We do competent therapy, therapy that truly works,” Pickup said to CNN. “For them to have a bill that says, ‘No, we can’t even talk about these issues, we can’t do anything to help these children resolve their homosexual feelings and maximize their heterosexual potential’ — that’s the height of political and therapeutic irresponsibility.”

Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute, who will also file suit, told Reuters, “What we’re advocating is for all to have the freedom and liberty to seek the counseling that meets their needs.”

The measure was supported by the California Psychological Association and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.