By Dari Kotzker
NJ Today
He signed it privately, behind closed doors, but Gov. Chris Christie’s signature on the bill banning gay conversion therapy for minors earned praise from gay rights advocates.
“It’s an amazing step of progress. We’re thankful that the governor chose to sign it. We wish he’d chosen a little earlier, but it’s a good step forward. It’s going to help protect thousands of LGBT youth throughout the state of New Jersey from the abuse of this kind of practice,” said Garden State Equality Executive Director Troy Stevenson.
The law caps weeks of emotional testimony, including soul-searching statements from those who have been subjected to the so-called therapy designed to allegedly change their sexual orientation.
“At 16 years old, I had lost everything. My family and my faith had rejected me and the damaging messages of conversion therapy, coupled with this rejection, drove me to the brink of suicide,” said LGBT advocate Ryan Kendall.
Self-described ex-gays and conversion therapists spoke out against the bill. Today, Dr. Tara King, a counselor who offers conversion therapy services, said, “It saddens me that he passed this law because there are kids that come for help because they don’t want same-sex attraction. They have the right to live the life they want and the governor is barring them from doing that.”
In a written statement, Christie did mention his “concerns about government limiting parental choice on the care and treatment of their own children,” but looked to the medical opinion of the American Psychological Association which says the therapy can lead to depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.
The sponsors of the bill say they are pleased with Christie’s decision.
“Well he had originally come out on both sides of the issue. I do applaud him for doing it. When he does things right, I agree, he does a very good job,” said Assemblyman Tim Eustace. “The people of New Jersey know this is bad science. All the professional organizations are against this.”
“I think this is a good recognition and the governor sends out a message that we should be tolerant of everyone and, again, bring out people’s strengths and character rather than condemn them,” said Assemblyman Reed Gusciora.
New Jersey will be the second state to pass the ban and the first to enact it. So will this move influence the issue of gay marriage? Some lawmakers and advocates are hopeful.
“I think it’s two different issues, but I think that even the governor’s coming around, certainly President Obama came around on marriage equality and I think as we go along and society matures more and more people will be tolerant of gays wanting to get married and forge relationships,” Gusciora said.
King says those who oppose the new law will not take the decision lying down and are planning to take action.