The Supreme Court on Monday declined to
hear a challenge to New Jersey's ban on “ex-gay” therapy to
minors, leaving in place a lower court's decision upholding the law's
constitutionality.
The high court last year refused to
hear a similar challenge to the law.
Three years ago, New Jersey became the
second state after California to prohibit so-called conversion
therapy that attempts to alter the sexual orientation or gender
identity of teens. Illinois, Oregon and the District of Columbia
have passed similar laws, while New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
recently issued an executive order that protects youth from such
therapies.
(Related: New
York Gov. Andrew Cuomo takes action to prevent “ex-gay” therapy
on minors.)
Lower courts have rejected arguments
that the ban violates free speech or religious freedom.