California Moving Closer To Ban On Sexual Orientation Therapy For Minors
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— A key State Senate committee approved a bill Monday that would ban what's known as "reparative" or "sexual orientation change" therapy for minors.
State Senator Ted Lieu (D-CA), who authored the bill - SB1172 - said there are therapists engaging in what he calls the deceptive and harmful practice of telling parents they can "cure" their kids of being gay. Now the state of California is a step closer to outlawing the so-called psychotherapy.
"My bill would ban what's called reparative therapy for anyone under 18. It's the kind of therapy where the therapist would try to convince someone who is homosexual to become straight," said Lieu.
KCBS' Doug Sovern Reports:
Lieu said there is no medical evidence that the treatment actually changes sexual orientation. He claims that the practice is dangerous and that some young Californians forced to undergo this kind of therapy have committed suicide.
"It is not a disease or a mental condition to be homosexual. The medical community does not recognize any of that. This really is junk science," he added
The bill would still allow clergy to counsel gay minors. It must survive further committee votes before reaching the Senate floor.
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