Massachusetts lawmakers are debating a
bill that would ban therapies which attempt to alter a minor's sexual
orientation from gay to straight.
The Legislature's joint committee on
Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a public
hearing on the bill last week.
The measure (H 154) is sponsored by
Representative Carl Sciortino, an openly gay Democrat.
If the bill is approved, licensed
professionals violating the ban could face revocation of their
license to practice in the state.
“I actually know some adults that
have gone through it and it's been a very painful, shameful
experience,” Mark Blogier, a licensed clinical social worker, told
22News.
Social conservative group
MassResistance told the outlet that it is opposed to the proposal.
“What they are doing is horrible,
trying to keep families from seeking this kind of help, which has
helped people, thousands of people, around the country,” said Brian
Camenker, the group's founder and leader.
California last year approved a similar
bill, though a judge, at the request of opponents, has blocked its
start. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has yet to decide whether
he will sign a similar bill approved last month by lawmakers.