Last night, Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation that bans a form of therapy to help transition minors from being gay to straight.
Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) introduced the state legislation, and it will become effective on Jan. 1, 2013.
These non-scientific therapies have been called “reparative therapy.” Brown said he sees this as an unorthodox practice that has led to depression and suicide in young people that have been “repaired.”
David Pickup, a spokesman for the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, plans on challenging the law with a major lawsuit.
Yes, you read that right.
There is a group of researchers searching for a “cure” to homosexuality in young teens and children. When and how was this approved?
Psychiatrists tell these kids that what they’re feeling can be repaired. Just listen to how your life should be and follow it without question.
Without a doubt, this is detrimental for young minds and can lead to mental illness and suicidal tendencies.
Pickup announced that his group will file a lawsuit defending their First Amendment rights.
However, this freedom of speech should not inflict youth with “therapy” that is not based on science at all.
Pickup commented that a report was released that the “therapy” was not proven to cause harm by the American Psychiatric Association. What he left out in his statement was that the group actually drew conclusions that the practice invokes risk of severe depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior in minors. The association said that the psychiatrists are relating to society’s prejudices against homosexuals.
The supporters believe that the “healed” are grateful for the therapy and the odds are better for those that can be “cured.”
By stopping this practice, Brown has made a bold statement.
It will make our state the first to ban this psychotherapy on teenagers.
Other states should follow suit.
Krista Brooks is a junior journalism major and the assistant opinions editor for the Daily 49er.
Homosexuality is a disease.