The U.S. Supreme Court rejected on Monday a challenge to New Jersey’s law blocking minors from receiving so-called gay-conversion therapy.
The justices did not comment on their order, which followed similar action last year leaving California’s therapy ban in place.
Therapists and supporters of sexual-orientation change efforts, represented by Mat Staver and Liberty Counsel, had asked for review of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling upholding the 2013 law signed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
New Jersey lawmakers passed the law out of concern that therapy that tries to change sexual orientation would be harmful to minors and would encourage despair and feelings of rejection.
Mental health associations reject sexual-orientation change efforts, and gay-rights advocates decry the therapy as unscientific and detrimental to people. The #BornPerfect campaign by the National Center for Lesbian Rights wants to see therapy bans nationwide.
However, therapists who offer the therapy as well as families and youth, say they want the freedom to pursue the therapy.
The 3rd Circuit court challenge, filed by a therapist who is a former lesbian and other therapy supporters, said the therapy benefits youth and others who are confused about their sexuality after being sexually molested. They also say the laws illegally invade the constitutional rights of people to seek the counseling they want.
The case, King v. Governor of New Jersey, 14-672, also noted the paradox of blocking therapy that addresses a person’s unwanted sexual orientation, but permitting therapy that addresses a person’s desire to change their unwanted biological gender.
Both a federal court and the 3rd Circuit panel upheld the New Jersey law, saying it did not violate the free speech or religious rights of people.
The National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality and the American Association of Christian Counselors joined therapists Tara King and Ronald Newman in seeking Supreme Court review.
Garden State Equality, a prominent New Jersey gay rights organization, stood with Mr. Christie in favor of the law.
The District of Columbia joins California and New Jersey in banning the therapy for minors.
• Cheryl Wetzstein can be reached at cwetzstein@washingtontimes.com.
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