Gay "Conversion" Therapy: Philosophy in Action Podcast

On Sunday's Philosophy in Action Radio, I answered a question on gay "conversion" therapy. I thought that might be of interest. The question was:

Was California right or wrong to ban "gay cure" therapy for minors? Recently, California banned "reparative" or "conversion" therapy – meaning, therapy that aims to make gay teenagers straight. Such therapy is widely regarded as dangerous pseudo-science by mental health professionals. The ban only applies to patients under 18. So adults can still choose such therapy for themselves, but parents cannot foist it on their minor children. Is such therapy a form of child abuse? Or should parents have the power to compel such therapy on their children, even if they're morally wrong to do so?

My Answer, In Brief: Gay "conversion" therapy, even when voluntary, can be deeply destructive to a teenager. I'm not sure that it should be banned, however.

Download or Listen to My Full Answer:

• Duration: 23:57
• Download: MP3 Segment

Tags: Ethics, GLBT, Law, Parenting, Psychology, Rights, Torts Relevant Links:

• Wikipedia: Gay Conversion Therapy
• My So-Called Ex-Gay Life by Gabriel Arana
• The Pseudo-science of Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy by Douglas C. Haldeman, Ph.D.
• Mission Impossible: Why Reparative Therapy and Ex-Gay Ministries Fail by Kim I. Mills
• Anti-Gay Organizations: National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality and Exodus International

To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.

A podcast of the full episode – where I answered questions on manipulating finances to qualify for welfare, initiating contact in friendship, poking fun at values, gay "conversion" therapy, and more – is available as a podcast here: Episode of 6 January 2013.

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