New Jersey: Gov. Christie to sign bill outlawing "ex-gay" torture for minors

Today New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will sign into law a bill that bans "ex-gay therapy" for minors:

"Government should tread carefully into this area," he said in the signing note, which was obtained by The Associated Press, "and I do so here reluctantly."

"However, I also believe that on the issues of medical treatment for children we must look to experts in the field to determine the relative risks and rewards," Christie said, citing a litany of potential ill effects of trying to change sexual orientation, including depression and suicide.

"I believe that exposing children to these health risks without clear evidence of benefits that outweigh these serious risks is not appropriate."

Gay rights groups say the practice of conversion therapy is damaging to young people because it tells them that it's not acceptable to be whoever they are.

Christie's signing message also declares that he believes that people are born gay and that homosexuality is not a sin. The Associated Press notes that such beliefs are "inconsistent with his Catholic faith." We'll see how that squares with the far-right fringe whose support Christie will need should he run for President in 2016.

(source)