TRENTON, N.J. — Licensed therapists are banned from using conversion therapy to try to change a child’s sexual orientation from gay to straight under a bill Gov. Chris Christie signed Aug. 19, making New Jersey the second state to prohibit the practice.
But a national Christian legal group that blocked an identical law from taking effect in California in early 2013 vowed to sue New Jersey, saying the legislation violates the First Amendment rights of parents and therapists.
The new law prevents any licensed therapist, psychologist, social worker or counselors related to these professions from using sexual orientation change efforts with children under age 18. Offenders jeopardize their licensed status under the new law, which does not apply to clergy or anyone who is not licensed by the state.
In his signing statement, Christie noted many leading health organizations had determined such therapy was ineffective and harmful.
Christie, a Catholic, had publicly stated his opposition to conversion therapy because he said he believes people are born gay. Asked about the bill at a recent campaign event, the Republican governor would only say, “The signing statement speaks for itself.”
Liberty Counsel founder and chairman Mat Staver said his organization “will immediately file suit” at the request of New Jersey counselors, parents and national counseling organizations.
“This bill provides a slippery slope of government infringing upon the First Amendment rights of counselors to provide, and patients to receive, counseling consistent with their religious beliefs,” Staver said.
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