September 1, 2012

(Christian Post) “Survey results from a study conducted by People Can Change, a nonprofit organization that seeks to help people with unwanted same-sex attractions (SSA), show that over half of those who sought counseling for SSA felt their attractions diminish as a result.”

“According to the survey, which was released Friday, 55 percent of those who sought out this kind of counseling experienced SSA with less intensity and frequency than before they received help. Additionally, 71 percent of those surveyed said they were either ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the counseling they received.”

“…In all, 474 people from 19 countries responded to the survey.” Link to the Christian Post article.

August 31, 2012

(Excerpts from World Net Daily) In Barber’s article Family Studies professor Dr. Walter Schumm is quoted as saying “Unfortunately, there are many with an extreme socio-political agenda who depend entirely upon suppressing the truth.” [Schumm’s study found that “Children raised in ‘gay’ households are up to 12 times more likely to self-identify as ‘gay’”]

… “Indeed, left-wing backlash was both swift and fierce. Schumm was instantly decried as a ‘quack,’ a ‘conservative plant’ and a ‘fraud.’ Over the past two years, both Schumm and his study have passed through all three of Schopenhauer’s fiery stages, only to emerge unsigned.”

Barber also comments on the Mark Regnerus study and the reaction to it. Link to Matt Barber’s article in World Net Daily.

August 31, 2012

(njtoday.net) “TRENTON — Assemblyman Tim Eustace on Thursday announced plans to introduce legislation that would ban the controversial practice known as ‘conversion therapy’ aimed at changing the sexual orientation of minors, a measure similar to one that recently passed the California State Assembly overwhelmingly.” Link to the njtoday.net article.

August 30, 2012

(Washington Times) “A California bill to ban therapies to ‘change’ sexual orientation in children and teens passed its final legislative hurdle late Thursday and now goes to California Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature.”

… “Mr. Brown has not taken a position on SB 1172, and he has until Sept. 30 to sign, veto or allow its protections to take effect without his signature on Jan. 1, 2013. If enacted, the measure would be the first of its kind in the nation.”

… “Opponents say the Lieu bill — which only permits ‘gay-affirming’ therapies for minors — tramples on parents’ rights to care for their children and mental health professionals’ rights to offer the most optimal therapies to a patient, and it encourages ‘ex-gay bashing.’” Link to the Washington Times article.

August 29, 2012

(University of Texas News) “AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin has determined that no formal investigation is warranted into the allegations of scientific misconduct lodged against associate professor Mark Regnerus regarding his July article in the journal Social Science Research.”

“As required by its Revised Handbook of Operating Procedures, the university conducted an inquiry to determine whether the accusations made by writer Scott Rose had merit and warranted a formal investigation. After consulting with a four-member advisory panel composed of senior university faculty members, the Office of the Vice President for Research concluded in a report on Aug. 24 that there is insufficient evidence to warrant an investigation.” Link to the UT article. Link to the investigation report.