Pushing children to be something they are not can be painful and unhealthy.
Which is why a California senator wants to crack down on those who would force children into “anti-gay” therapy as if sexual preference were some kind of disorder or illness.
A state senate committee has already approved a bill that would forbid sexual orientation change therapy for children under 18, and adults would receive warnings of the hazards of such efforts.
Along with a warning that these therapies are not shown to be effective in changing a person’s sexual orientation, the bill cites risks of depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior.
Bill author Ted Lieu says the legislation is needed because some therapists have been using a California license to take advantage of vulnerable people, exposing them to what several health associations deem an unacceptable therapeutic practice.
Let California’s Judiciary Committee, which is scheduled to review the bill in May, know you support this legislation.
We, the undersigned, support Senator Lieu’s effort to protect children from the risks associated with “ex-gay” therapy.
Though we do not readily agree with every measure that limits a parent or guardian’s right to make decisions on behalf of their children or wards, we feel that some parents are misled about effectiveness of such therapies, as well as the serious related risks, and the need to protect children from such risks overrides parental authority in this particular case.
Even the American Psychiatric Association, which once classified homosexuality as a DSM disorder, has corrected its ignorance and now opposes sexual orientation change or “ex-gay” therapy.
We request that the state pass this or similar legislation that will protect others from imposing their sexual preferences upon others.
Thank you for your attention to this request.
