Both New Jersey and California have laws banning licensed therapists from trying to counsel gay teens into being straight. The New Jersey law is presently being challenged by parents who say it violates their free speech (in the form in this case of free expression) rights to parent their child as they see fit.
The law signed by Gov. Chris Christie in August bars licensed therapists from trying to turn gay teenagers straight. At the time he signed it, Christie said the health risks of trying to change a childs sexual orientation, as identified by the American Psychological Association, outweigh concerns over the government setting limits on parental choice, though he added that government should tread carefully into this area....The unidentified New Jersey couple claim in their suit that the law violates their rights to free speech and freedom of religion, as well as their 14th Amendment right to equal protection, by denying minors the opportunity to pursue a particular course of action that can help them address the conflicts between their religious and moral values and same-sex attractions, behaviors or identity.
Do you think therapists should be permitted to provide this therapy to teens?
__________________
Lego, Cav (the Lego brand name was derived from the Danish expression "leg godt" - play well - and lego also translates in Latin as "I study" or "I put together"...really, one of the world's most perfect words!)
The thing is, these therapies usually have no proof of actual success. They're practically scams. I read somewhere that one exercise they make them do is to crush oranges with their calves to "squeeze out the homosexuality".
I agree with Christie when he says that the health risks behind trying to change a sexual orientation outweight the concerns over the government setting limits on parental choice. In this case, I think that what the parents opinion is may not always be the healthiest choice for their child. The therapy may cause psyhcological damage to the children, possibly damaging them permanetly. Becuase of this, I think it is the government's responsibility to step in and ensure the well fare of the child.
even though they do have the right to parent their child the way they want, it will always have limitations and i don't think it should be allowed. Trying to change your child's sexual orientation would definitely not be, like Zoe said, the healthiest choice for the child.
I don't think therapists should be allowed to provide this kind of therapy. Like Zoe said the parents opinion might not always be what's healthiest for the child. If they are happy then the parents should allow them to remain happy versus putting them through unneccessary therapy that could damage them mentally, emotionally, and even physically.
Therapists should provide a safe environment for anyone, not try to convince them to drastically change their lives if they don't want to. This can make a kid confused and lead to serious health problems.
I think the law should stand and i also like what Christie had to say about the topic he seemed like he know that he was doing the right thing but he also knows that this is a very hot topic and should be dealt with the utmost care.
