STATE OF CONFUSION

College Student Studying To Be Ex-Gay Counselor Sues Over CA’s Reparative-Therapy Ban

A college student who claims he overcame same-sex attractions through reparative therapy has filed suit against the state of California, which recently passed a ban on so-called gay cures.

Aaron Blitzer, who’s actually studying to be an ex-gay therapist, filed papers in U.S. District Court claiming the new law prevents him from pursuing his noble profession. He names Gov. Jerry Brown, who signed the measure over the weekend, as one of the defendants along with members of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and the California Mental Board.

Joined by two therapists named as co-plaintiffs, Bitzer claims the ban infringes on the First Amendment right to free speech, privacy and  freedom of religion.

“It’s it’s an egregious violation of the rights of young people feeling same-sex attraction, and of parents and counselors who feel it would be beneficial for the individual needs of a young person,” said Brad Dacus of the reactionary Pacific Justice Institute. “The legislature had an errant assumption that every individual struggling with same-sex attraction is caused by their DNA,” he said. “It ignores thousands, including the plaintiff, who have gone through therapy and are now in a happy and healthy heterosexual relationship.”

“I read the lawsuit and, as a matter of fiction, it is a good read,” said State Sen Ted Lieu, who sponsored the bill in the California Legislature. “But from any reasonable legal standard, [it’s] frivolous.”

 

 

 

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