Massachusetts Bill Bans Therapy for Minors to Overcome Same-gender Attraction

Aimee Herd : Jul 18, 2013
Bethany Monk – Citizen Link

"Now, in a clear attack on freedom, legislatures are trying to ban that kind of help..." –Jeff Johnston, Citizen Link.

(Boston, MA)—Legislation is being considered in Massachusetts that would make it a crime for licensed therapists to counsel minors in overcoming unwanted same-gender attractions.

The bill, HB 154, was introduced by Rep. Carl Sciortino, and if passed, a counselor who helps a young person with unwanted attractions could lose their license, according to a Citizen Link report.

Jeff Johnston, Gender Issues Analyst for Citizen Link said, "Attempts to ban sexual orientation change efforts are an assault on freedom of religion, free speech and parental rights."

Johnston added, "This is personal for me. I had counseling that helped me deal with relationships, my past, my feelings and my behavior. In the process, my same-sex attractions diminished. Now, in a clear attack on freedom, legislatures are trying to ban that kind of help for others."