Conversion Therapy Protest

On July 16-17, 2017 the Restored Hope Network (RHN) held a conference in San Diego to promote gay conversion therapy.  SDPA members joined with local LGBTQ community members to protest this organization and its practices.  President Annette Conway, Psy.D. and Abigail Weissman, Psy.D. were interviewed by Alison St. John on PBS regarding this protest effort.

According to the American Psychological Association, sexual orientation conversion therapy, “refers to counseling and psychotherapy to attempt to eliminate individuals’ sexual desires for members of their own sex.”  The American Psychiatric Association states even talk therapy seeking to change a person's sexual orientation places that person at risk of depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior.  It also says there is no valid evidence that such practices are effective.

A California law passed in 2012 banned licensed mental health professionals from seeking to change a minor's sexual orientation.  Last month the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case seeking to overturn the law.