A new law banning sexual orientation change effort (SOCE) treatments in California is expected to be signed by Governor Jerry Brown. SOCE treatments attempt to “cure” homosexual children of their attraction to the same sex. This law reopens the discussion of whether or not childhood homosexuality is a normal sexual orientation or a mental disorder that could improve with therapy or treatment. Opponents believe that the law unconstitutionally prohibits speech, violates privacy rights, meddles in theological disputes, and invades the privacy of the counseling room. Proponents of the law state that SOCE treatments can lead to depression, self-loathing, drug abuse, anger, withdrawal, high-risk sexual behavior, and attempted suicide.
Read full article here: California Law Would Ban Sexual Orientation Change Therapy for Gay Children