NY State Politicians Look To Follow New Jersey's Unconstitutional Ban On Gay Conversion Therapy

Albany pols push for ban on gay conversion therapy for teens, citing new N.J. law

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie made national news this week when he signed a bill abolishing the therapy that attempts to turn gay teens straight. If enacted, a licensed mental health provider who ignored the law would be cited for unprofessional conduct and subject to licensing sanctions.

By Kenneth Lovett / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Brad Hoylman YMS

ALBANY – Three New York lawmakers are using the controversy over a New Jersey law read about the New Jersey law and Rav Yoshe Ber Soloveitchik's shock at the idea therapists not being allowed to help people do teshuva banning teen anti-gay therapy to push similar legislation in New York.  see more on this story.  read the bill

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie made national news this week when he signed a bill abolishing the therapy that attempts to turn gay teens straight.

Now, State Sens. Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan) a gay state senator, who also wants to take away tax exempt status to most Jewish organizations for "discriminating" , Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) and Assemblywoman Deborah Glick a lesbian say New York pols should swiftly pass a similar bill they introduced earlier this year that stalled in Albany.

“Conversion therapy is among the worst frauds in history and has been discredited by the American Psychological Association and other ... leading mental health organizations,” said Hoylman, the state’s only openly gay senator.

Why the APA says conversion therapy is "harmful"

The New York bill would bar mental health providers from trying to change the sexual orientation of anyone under the age of 18. This is true despite the fact that many religious leader (including 175 rabbis) urge people to try this practice

If enacted, a licensed mental health provider who ignored the law would be cited for unprofessional conduct and subject to licensing sanctions.

Similar legislation has been enacted in California. Christie, who is eyeing a GOP presidential run in 2016, endorsed it this week.

“This is not a hyperpartisan issue,” said Gianaris, the senate’s deputy Democratic leader. “This is about protecting young people who are being forced to believe that the way they are is wrong, when it’s not.”


Glick said conversion therapy “adds to a hostile environment” at a time when the gay community has been subjected to increased bullying and gay bashing. their objection is solely because liberals want to censor all those who know homosexuality is wrong, harmful, and evil.

(Daily News) highlights mine