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California Lawmakers Pass Ban On "Gay Conversion Therapy" For Minors |
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Written by Instinct Staff |
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
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| Tags: california, state assembly, passes, votes, in favor, conversion therapy, ban, homosexuality, minors, children, gov jerry brown, signature |
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The California State Assembly has followed the State Senate's lead and passed a historic ban on "conversion therapy" for minors. Details follow.
Reuters reports:
The 51-21 vote in the Democratic-controlled Assembly marked a major victory for gay rights advocates who say the so-called conversion therapy has no medical basis because homosexuality is not a disorder.
Opponents of the practice say such attempts to change sexual orientation can cause depression and lead to substance abuse and suicide.
Several openly gay legislators championed the bill in emotional speeches during the floor debate, citing their own childhood experiences.
"One of our No. 1 priorities in this house is to protect the next generation of Californians," said Ricardo Lara, a Democrat from Los Angeles County. "And some of those are sissy boys. And some of those sissy boys grow up to be Assembly members. And some of those sissy boys need help. And we are here to stand with those sissy boys."
CA lawmakers have until Friday to come up with a unified bill that merges with the version passed by the Senate in May. It then heads to the desk of Gov. Jerry Brown who has not indicated his position on the matter.
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