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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsObama to Call for End to ‘Conversion’ Therapies for Gay and Transgender Youth
In response, President Obama this week will call for an end to such psychiatric therapies aimed at repairing gay, lesbian and transgender youth, White House officials said. His decision on the sensitive issue is the latest example of his continuing embrace of gay rights.
In a statement to be posted on Wednesday evening alongside a WhiteHouse.gov petition begun in honor of Ms. Alcorn, Mr. Obama will condemn the psychiatric practice, sometimes called conversion or reparative therapy, which is supported by some socially conservative organizations and religious doctors. The petition has received more than 120,000 signatures in three months.
We share your concern about its potentially devastating effects on the lives of transgender as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual and queer youth, the statement, written by Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to Mr. Obama, says, according to a copy obtained by The New York Times. As part of our dedication to protecting Americas youth, this administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors.
In an interview on Wednesday, Ms. Jarrett said Mr. Obama was moved by the story of Ms. Alcorns suicide. But she said the problem went far beyond her.
It was tragic, but I will tell you, unfortunately she has a lot of company, Ms. Jarrett said. Its not the story of one young person. It is the story of countless young people who have been subjected to this.
*snip*
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/09/us/politics/obama-to-call-for-end-to-conversion-therapies-for-gay-and-transgender-youth.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&bicmp=AD&bicmlukp=WT.mc_id&bicmst=1409232722000&bicmet=1419773522000&_r=0
yuiyoshida
(41,867 posts)that should make a lot of Republican heads explode!! Good!
beam me up scottie
(57,349 posts)Wait for it.
Good on Obama!
Fred Sanders
(23,946 posts)Initech
(100,114 posts)It needs to go.
Behind the Aegis
(54,031 posts)It is pure quackery. They are no better than those who used to sell snake oil, and that is all "conversion therapy" is...snake oil!
MrBig
(640 posts)One of the most important moments (and among the gutsiest) of his Presidency, in my opinion, was providing unequivocal support for gay marriage at a time when the debate was starting to heat up. I don't think it's coincidence that after that moment, polls starting showing a majority of Americans supporting gay marriage.
Obviously, there is still a long ways to go - but I truly believe President Obama will be remembered for moving forward LGBT rights in the same manner LBJ is remembered for helping push forward Civil Rights issues during his term.
I am proud I can say I twice voted for him.
Major Hogwash
(17,656 posts)Easy as falling off of a log, really.
This should have occurred a long time ago.