From Huffington Post:
Republican Gov. Chris Christie signed a law on Monday barring
licensed therapists from trying to turn gay teenagers straight, the
latest example of the potential 2016 presidential candidate steering a
moderate course.
The governor said the health risks of trying to change a child's
sexual orientation, as identified by the American Psychological
Association, trump concerns over the government setting limits on
parental choice. "Government should tread carefully into this area," he
said in the signing note, "and I do so here reluctantly."
The decision marked the third time this month that Christie
has staked out a moderate position on a hot-button social issue as he
seeks a second term in a Democratic-leaning state. It also offers more
evidence that the popular governor is positioning himself as a
pragmatist who shuns more conservative elements within his party.
~
Christie said on "issues of medical treatment for children we must
look to experts in the field to determine the relative risks and
rewards," citing a litany of potential ill effects of trying to change
sexual orientation, including depression, drug abuse and suicide.
"I believe that exposing children to these health risks without clear
evidence of benefits that outweigh these serious risks is not
appropriate," he said.
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