Getting Help - The Dangers of SB1172

Click on this link to take action now: http://conta.cc/MJum3N

There are many challenges that youth face. Getting the help that you feel is right shouldn't be one of them. Please watch this video about the dangers of California SB1172 and share it with your family and friends. Call your Assembly Person now and tell them to "Vote NO on SB1172!"

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[Linda C]

Regardless of how one feels about homosexuality, all Californians should be opposed to this bill.

The overarching principles are human autonomy and parental rights. The state has no place encroaching on these areas.

There is so much talk about "choice" and "rights" these days. Shouldn't those with unwanted same-sex attraction have the right to choose to change?

You people who always clamor for tolerance need to practice what you preach.

Oppose SB 1172.

[Linda C]

That 1973 debacle was the result of activism, not science. The Human Genome Project has since concluded otherwise.

Biology is not destiny. Humans are free agents, capable of making decisions as to how to handle their emotions.

[cda76er]

I believe the problem here and with other counseling issues stems from the illegitimate claim of the states to have the authority to certify mental health practitioners. This is perhaps the most dangerous extension of government power today. If SB 1172 passes I believe conscientious therapists and unlicensed counselors must rise up against the powers that be and assert their obligation to practice according to their consciences. For, the state is in violation of freedom of conscience & speech

[cda76er]

This bill is an outrageous example of "progressive" fascism!! If the Governor signs this bill then Christians and other believers in religious freedom must become civilly-disobedient. We need to start demonstrating the way our enemies do. I would love to see pickets in front of government buildings and public schools. Though I was once one who shied away from the "culture war", I'm convinced that we can no longer avoid it because our freedom is under serious assault! We must defend freedom!

[Linda C]

Of course there is something wrong! When 2% of the population is responsible for 77% of all AIDS cases that is a HUGE red flag! When 13 y/o boys end up HIV+ something criminal is going on.Instead of talking to politicians, talk to the parents of teenage boys who are engaging in risky sexual behavior. Then google "Ex-Gay Parents Confront CA Senator" in order to read an open letter on this subject.

(I tried posting the link, but youtube won't allow it.)

[James Guay]

Having spoken directly with the politicians you're referring to, I don't think you give them enough credit for learning about SOCE. Also, I consider it abusive to use legitimate theoretical orientations and techniques to perpetuate internalized homophobia. The basic premise underlying SOCE is that there is something inherently wrong with being homosexual that needs changing.

[Linda C]

The term "conversion therapy" seems too nonspecific.

Treatment for unwanted homosexuality can be approached via ethical modalities which are used to treat other issues such as Cognitive Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Gender Wholeness, Family Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Object Relations Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy.

The right of the client to seek care for unwanted same-sex attractions ought not be legislated away by uninformed politicians.

[James Guay]

That is a logical argument if we were comparing similar enough treatment modalities, however, I believe the treatments being offered via "conversion therapy" are psychologically abusive whereas mainstream treatments for depression and/or suicidal ideation are not. We as therapists have a mandate to "do no harm."

[Linda C]

You're throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Therapies may not work on particular individuals for a variety of reasons. For example, there are alcoholics and those suffering from depression who may not experience recovery even after years of counseling. Yet, treatments for these conditions are not outlawed. According to your reasoning suicide hotlines should be banned because some who use them go on to kill themselves anyway.

[arnvidb]

You are inaccurately characterizing the situation first off. Abuse does not produce sexual desires that remotely resemble the kind of normal attractions that exist in a homosexual orientation. However, even taking your example as is, nothing in SB 1172 would prevent legitimate therapy or counselling to address issues resulting from abuse. It would only prevent SOCE, which is not ever a legitimate, professional response. Such actions would simply be more abuse, and fraud to boot.

[Linda C]

Many minors struggle with same-sex attraction as a result of abuse. Does the state not have a vested interest in the abuse of minors?

SB 1172 would disallow the needed help for minors even if - with parental permission - they want to try SOCE.

According to your reasoning, the victims of Jerry Sandusky would be left without recourse.