May 14, 2012 | Sex & Society

Ending conversion therapy in California

California politicians are considering a ban on 'conversion' therapy for gay and lesbian teens. The bill, introduced by Democratic State Sen. Ted Lieu, passed its final committee vote last week.

If the bill becomes law, psychologists would be prohibited from trying to turn young gays and lesbians straight. Adults could still receive 'conversion' therapy, but would be required to sign a consent form.

"This therapy can be dangerous," Lieu said, pointing out that conversion therapy does not work. Worse, he pointed out, it can cause depression and lead to suicide.

Clinton W. Anderson from the American Psychological Association said the bill was important. "Because APA doesn't see same-sex sexual orientation as being in any essential way different from other sexual orientations, we do not believe there is any psychological reason why people should change, and we believe those individuals and organizations that still promote such therapy or other methods of change are contributing to a negative social climate for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, especially young people."

Ex-gay groups spoke out against the legislation.

"We can look at other organizations who help people dealing with other life struggles," Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International, said. "For instance, Weight Watchers, which has tremendously benefited my life. Should we go after Weight Watchers and tell them, 'Don't say that there's anything beyond obesity,' for people who are struggling with obesity and want an alternative to that?"

"Being gay or lesbian is not a disorder," countered Martin Binks, clinical director and CEO of Binks Behavioral Therapy. "While at times people need therapy to better understand their sexuality and to assist them in considering issues of sexuality in the context of their lives, 'conversion' therapies, as the name implies, too often tend to start from a presumption that it is wrong to be gay and that the only goal is to change that; which is not a helpful therapeutic approach."

'Conversion' therapy is the modern equivalent of selling snake oil. It should have been banned a long tim ago!

California Bill Would Ban Conversion Therapy to Make Gay Teens Straight [ABC News]