California Judge Blocks Ban on Gay ‘Repair’ Therapy

Free speech argued in bid to keep scientifically discredited practice

A federal judge on Monday placed a temporary injunction on California’s landmark ban on therapy aimed at “curing” homosexuality in minors, but applied the ruling to just three practitioners. Two licensed therapists and one aspiring therapist filed a suit against the state’s law, which was due to go into effect on Jan. 1. U.S. District Court Judge William Shubb said the three therapists would not be subject to the ban until their lawsuits are resolved in trials next year. Shubb expressed concerns that banning the therapy would only drive parents to seek the treatment from unlicensed and unregulated providers, and also compared it to attempts to ban abortion. Gay rights advocates and the California Psychological Association supported the ban and say the therapy has been proven to psychologically harm gay and lesbian youths. They also say there is no medical basis for the therapy because homosexuality is not considered a disorder and because It has been scientifically discredited. (Reuters)

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