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Virginia Lawmakers Reject Therapy Ban Bill |
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Virginia took a hopeful step last week to protect therapy freedom and therapy equality of minors in the state—and their families—who desire counseling to help them deal with unwanted same-sex attractions and gender identity confusion.
According to The Family Foundation of Virginia, the Virginia Senate Education and Health subcommittee “voted 4-2 to ‘pass by indefinitely’ (i.e., vote down) two bills which would ban sexual identity counseling for minors unless that counseling ‘provides acceptance and support,’ including ‘sexual orientation neutral’ advice.”
Christopher Doyle, a licensed professional counselor and a leader in the #TherapyEquality campaign of Equality And Justice For All, released the following statement regarding the therapy ban in Virginia.
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| | “Despite the lies of gay activists, legislators in Virginia were able to see the truth and vote down this harmful bill,” Doyle said. “A similar bill still rests with the House, but this is an important step forward in protecting the therapy options for minors and their families who want to reach out to qualified and caring counselors for help with unwanted same-sex attractions and other complex issues. We applaud the Virginia Senate committee for not bowing to an activist agenda and being open to the stories of those who were truly helped through therapy.” |
| | Specifically, Doyle called out a representative from the #BornPerfect movement, who has claimed that “(n)ot everyone walked out alive” from the Journey Into Manhood program. If this claim is true, asks Doyle, where are the police reports and official complaints? Activists making these claims should provide evidence to validate their statements, he said.
Doyle added that he and his colleagues and fellow #TherapyEquality advocates are thankful that the untruths and half-truths of activists who are distorting the facts about sexual identity affirming therapy and other similar programs did not sway the decision of committee members.
“This is not the first time homosexual activists have used lies to further their agenda by purposefully intending to mislead those who are in the position to make the important decisions regarding therapy equality and therapy bans,” Doyle added. “In the future, this slander must not go unchallenged, and the #TherapyEquality movement will continue to call out the lies of these gay activists as legislators hear about life-saving therapy for those who have unwanted same-sex attractions.”
The bills in Virginia would have prohibited any licensed counselor from counseling a minor in a way that helps them overcome unwanted same-sex attractions or gender identity disorder. “Supporters of these bills alleged that such counseling is ‘child abuse’ and even ‘torture,’” reported The Family Foundation. “Interestingly enough, the bill specifically permitted counseling for children in a way which encourages and affirms the child’s unwanted feelings and sexual attractions. The message is clear: a minor must not—even if it’s their choice—be able to seek help to reconcile his or her unwanted same-sex attractions through a licensed counselor. And taking it further, if a counselor refuses to comply, they will lose their license to practice.”
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Help Fight the Proposed Sexual Orientation Counseling Ban in Massachusetts
Massachusetts legislators will also be voting on a bill that would ban children and their parents from receiving counseling from licensed mental health professionals to help address unwanted sexual attractions. Last week, MassResistance reported that the bill was stalled in the Mass. Legislature, just before last Wednesday's House session. But the bill will still come up in the future. Click HERE to learn more information about the bill, and send an email to your legislators asking them to oppose HB97, the "Sexual Orientation Counseling Ban."
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| | | | | #TherapyEquality leader Christopher Doyle appeared on KDOV-TV's "Focus Today" show on January 28. During the program, Christopher discussed why the Obama administration is trying to ban therapy rights for people with unwanted attractions and examines Hillary Clinton’s experience with “Conversion Therapy.” Click here to watch. |
| | Lives Are On the Line -
We thank you for all the ways you have supported the important work of Equality And Justice For All. As you know, 2015 was a crucial year for issues such as therapy equality and the rights of those who are struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions and gender identity confusion. Will you help us protect and defend the therapy rights of all in 2016? Your gift in any amount will be invaluable in furthering the mission of Equality And Justice For All. Thank you for your support!
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| About Equality and Justice For All
Equality And Justice For All is the only civil rights organization that works to further the general welfare of the ex-gay community by promoting fair and equitable laws and policies protecting their rights. By furthering individual self-determination and liberty for former homosexuals, the organization strives to reduce bigoted representations of the ex-gay sexual orientation status, ensuring that ex-gays and their friends and families can be open, honest, safe and respected in a diverse society. |
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