Proposed bill in California may safeguard lesbian and gays from conversion therapy
state of California seeks to protect gay patients from so-called conversion therapy.
Sponsored by LGBT organisation Equality California, Senate Bill 1172 would force psychotherapists to warn gay patients about the potential damage of such practices and that they are not supported by medical research.
The proposed bill has been written by Sen.
Ted Lieu, a Democratic Party California State Senator.
Although it is likely to face opposition from certain groups, it would prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from undergoing therapy relating to their sexuality.
In addition, all therapists will also require a patient's consent before proceeding with the therapy, the LA Weekly add.
"It's long past time to do everything in our power to put an end to the use of therapy tactics that have no sound scientific basis and that cause lifelong damage," says Clarissa Filgioun, Equality California board president, in a press statement. Continue reading