California Outlaws Gay Conversion Therapy

Back in 2001, famed therapist Dr. Robert Spitzer shocked the gay community by publishing a study that argued highly motivated homosexuals could change their sexual orientation with the help of gay conversion therapy. The research was widely condemned by the larger medical community. The American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association both denounced the practice, and eventually, Spitzer himself condemned his own findings. Despite the near consensus of the medical community, gay conversion therapy is still available, but as of January 1, it won’t be practiced on minors in California.

According to Reuters, governor Jerry Brown officially signed legislation outlawing gay conversion therapy for those under eighteen today, and many in the GLBT community have already begun celebrating. The bill’s sponsor, state Senator Ted Lieu, is hoping the measure will honor those who committed suicide following gay conversion therapy. In a perfect world, it will do that and prevent further victims from taking their own lives.

For the foreseeable future, California residents hellbent on trying to stupidly convert their children will likely send the kids to neighboring states, but advocates are hoping California’s new law will begin spreading throughout the country until gay conversion therapy is completely outlawed.

Pop Blend’s thoughts go out to all those who were made to feel ashamed of their homosexual feelings by junk science.