The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a challenge to New Jersey's ban on “ex-gay” therapy to minors.

Two years ago, New Jersey became the second state after California to prohibit so-called conversion therapy that attempts to turn gay teens straight. The District of Columbia recently approved a similar law.

Republican Governor Chris Christie said in signing the law that he does not believe being gay is a choice and that such therapies expose children to health risks.

Two groups which promote such therapies, the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) and the American Association of Christian Counselors, sued the state, arguing that the law infringes on parents' rights to “direct the upbringing and education of their children according to their sincerely held religious beliefs.”

In September, a 3-judge panel of the Third Circuit Court in Philadelphia upheld a lower court's determination that the law does not violate free speech or religious freedom. Opponents turned to the Supreme Court.

Justices refused to review the case without comment.