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

Gay NY State Senator Wants To Ban Conversion Therapy, No Word Yet On Abortion

Gay NY State Senator from Greenwich Village who want to ban What almost 200 Rabbis said is a chiyuv to try!

 It remains to be seen if he will also ban Abortion for a minor!
or at least force a parental consent or notification.

(read the bill)
ALBANY - The state Senate’s only openly gay lawmaker wants to outlaw a controversial therapy that attempts to make gay youth straight.

Legislation introduced Friday by Sen. Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan) would bar mental health providers from trying to change the sexual orientation of anyone under the age of 18.

If enacted, a licensed mental health provider who ignored the law would be cited for unprofessional conduct and subject to licensing sanctions.
Hoylman will co-sponsor the bill in the Senate with Michael Gianaris (D-Queens). It is being carried in the Assembly by Deborah Glick, a Manhattan Democrat who is a lesbian.

Conversion therapy has been rejected by many in the mental health community.

Hoylman, who is "married" to a man and has a two-year-old daughter, said the controversial treatment is not good for the individual or society.

“It not only is impossible, but it is detrimental to young people to attempt to convert them,” he said.
“It also increases the stigma in society and creates a culture of unacceptance for young gay and lesbian people,” Hoylman added.

California last year enacted a similar law barring the controversial therapy, but the measure is on hold while it’s being challenged in the courts.

The Rev. Jason McGuire, executive director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, doesn’t believe a New York law would pass legal or ethical muster.

“I simply believe that those in the homosexual community should recognize that there is a significant population in that community that want to leave that lifestyle and pursue a heterosexuality lifestyle,” McGuire said. “People should respect their choice to pursue that.”

(Daily News)