A college student who claims he once had same-sex attractions but became
heterosexual after conversion therapy has filed a lawsuit against
California, which has enacted a law that bans so-called "gay cures" for
minors.
The lawsuit, also joined as plaintiffs by two therapists who have used
the treatments with patients, alleges that the law banning the therapy
intrudes on First Amendment protections of free speech, privacy and
freedom of religion.
The student, Aaron Blitzer, who is studying to be a therapist in that
field, said the law would prevent him from pursuing his career,
according to court papers filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for
the Eastern District of California.
The lawsuit names as defendants California Gov. Jerry Brown, as well as
21other state officials, including members of the California Board of
Behavioral Sciences and the California Medical Board.
The other plaintiffs are Donald Welsch, a licensed family therapist and
ordained minister who operates a Christian counseling center in San
Diego; and Dr. Anthony Duk, a psychiatrist and practicing Roman
Catholic.
Both say the law would restrict their counseling practices, according to the lawsuit.
"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,
president and attorney for the conservative Pacific Justice Institute, which asked a federal judge to prevent the law from taking effect.
"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."
Dacus declined ABC News' request for direct access to the plaintiffs.
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