June 13, 2013

The following excerpts are from the article “Gay-to-straight conversion therapy ban OK’d by N.J. Assembly panel” by Susan K. Livio on the nj.com website: “TRENTON — Over the objections of a conservative family group’s threat to sue, the Assembly Women and Children’s Committee today approved a bill that would prohibit licensed therapists from providing gay-to-straight conversion therapy to children.”

“Testimony from dueling mental health professionals and activists dominated the 2-1/2 hour hearing at the Statehouse, with proponents arguing the treatment has been discredited as ineffective and harmful to kids, and opponents insisting the bill tramples parental rights.”

“Before the hearing ended, John Tomicki of the League of American Families, called the bill unconstitutional, vowing ‘if we have to, we will bring a legal challenge.'”

“The committee voted 5-0, with one abstention to approve the bill (A3371 ), sponsored by Assemblyman Tim Eustace (D-Bergen). It now moves to the full Assembly for a vote. The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee approved an identical bill in March.”

… “Christopher Doyle a counselor at the California-based International Healing Foundation and a former homosexual, said the stories about this form of therapy forced on minors are distorted and untrue. He said he has been providing this therapy for four years, assisting as many as 150 clients with ‘unwanted same sex attractions who come to me wanting to change.'”

“‘I have several sessions with parents and minors,’ before deciding to go ahead with the therapy. ‘I have an ethical obligation to do no harm and I take that very seriously,” Doyle said.” …