New Jersey Lawmakers Move to Tackle Conversion Therapy
New Jersey could become the second state after California to ban the use of highly controversial conversion therapy for minors if lawmakers pass and Governor Chris Christie signs legislation scheduled to receive its first hearing Monday afternoon in the Senate.
Senate President Steve Sweeney, a sponsor of the measure, said the idea for the ban arose when he heard testimony about the therapy during the debate on the marriage equality bill and “almost fell off my seat.” He said the practice reminded him of “something out of the 1950s,” where he drew a comparison to “bomb shelters and shock therapy” in a telephone interview with The Advocate on Friday.
“It’s something that I can’t believe still exists,” he said. “We’re not going to let it exist in New Jersey.”
Conversion therapy, also known as “reparative” therapy, has been denounced by professional groups including the American Psychological Association, which warn it can increase the likelihood of depression and suicide. The proposed legislation in New Jersey would prohibit psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other counseling professionals from using the practice on patients under 18 years old.
http://www.advocate.com/politics/2012/12/17/new-jersey-lawmakers-move-tackle-conversion-therapy
