Contact: Wayne Besen, Executive DirectorPhone: 917-691-5118E-Mail: wbesen@truthwinsout.org
TWO Praises Gov. Jerry Brown For Signing Bill Banning 'Ex-Gay' Therapy For Kids
Law Is A Historic Step In Stopping Child Abuse Disguised As Therapy, Says TWO
Burlington, Vt. -- Truth Wins Out praised California Gov. Jerry Brown today for signing a bill into law today that prohibits minors from being subjected to an abusive form of treatment known as 'reparative therapy.' The law goes into effect January 1, 2013.
"This bill bans non-scientific 'therapies' that have driven young people to depression and suicide. These practices have no basis in science or medicine and they will now be relegated to the dustbin of quackery," Brown said in a statement to The San Francisco Chronicle.
"This is a historic day that protects LGBT youth from child abuse disguised as genuine therapy," said Truth Wins Out's Executive Director Wayne Besen. "We thank Gov. Brown for signing legislation that can serve as a model for similar bills across the nation."
Senate Bill 1172 was authored by Senator Ted Lieu and co-sponsored by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Equality California, Gaylesta, Courage Campaign, Lambda Legal, and Mental Health America of Northern California, and supported by dozens of organizations including Truth Wins Out.
"Governor Brown today reaffirmed what medical and mental health organizations have made clear: Efforts to change minors' sexual orientation are not therapy, they are the relics of prejudice and abuse that have inflicted untold harm on young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Californians," said Clarissa Filgioun, Equality California board president. "We thank Senator Ted Lieu and Governor Brown for their efforts in making California a leader in banning this deceptive and harmful practice."
Added NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell: "Governor Brown has sent a powerful message of affirmation and support to LGBT youth and their families. This law will ensure that state-licensed therapists can no longer abuse their power to harm LGBT youth and propagate the dangerous and deadly lie that sexual orientation is an illness or disorder that can be 'cured.' "
Truth Wins Out is a nonprofit organization that fights anti-LGBT extremism. TWO specializes in turning information into action by organizing, advocating and fighting for LGBT equality.
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