Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier of
California has introduced a resolution encouraging states to protect
minors from “ex-gay” therapy.
California was the first state to
outlaw therapies which attempt to alter a minor's sexual orientation
from gay to straight. A
New Jersey lawmaker recently introduced similar legislation.
(Related: Lawsuit
claims “ex-gay” therapists violated New Jersey fraud act.)
“It is the sense of Congress that
sexual orientation and gender identity or expression change efforts
directed at minors are discredited and ineffective, have no
legitimate therapeutic purpose, and are dangerous and harmful,” the
resolution reads in part.
Kate Kendell, executive director of the
National Center for Lesbian Rights, applauded Speier for “shining a
light on this important issue.”
“We join her in urging states to
protect young people and their families from this dangerous quackery,
which has been condemned by every leading mainstream mental health
organization in the country. NCLR is committed to working with
Congresswoman Speier and state legislators to ensure that no young
person is subjected to these dangerous practices and that no parent
is deceived by therapists who falsely claim to be able to change a
child's core identity. Every child deserves acceptance and support,
and families deserve honest, accurate information about how to
protect their children,” Kendell said in a statement.