Pro-family medical experts & ex-gays refute LGBT lobby at Mass. State House public hearing on "anti-therapy" bill
Destructive bill would ban "sexual orientation" counseling for youth.
(See VIDEO below!)
POSTED: August 28, 2015 UPDATED January 17, 3016
The homosexual movement’s state-by-state crusade to pass laws banning youth with sexual orientation problems from seeking help by therapists, came to a head in the Massachusetts State House at a public hearing on Tuesday, July 28. The well-oiled LGBT lobbying machine was rebutted by pro-family counselors and experts, many of whom who came to Boston from across America, as well as MassResistance activists.
Pro-family team to counter destructive bill. Outside of the hearing room, from left: David Pickup, licensed therapist from Dallas; Dr. J. Abede Alexandre, child psychologist, Boston; Dr. Alexandre's wife; Brian Camenker, MassResistance, Greg Quinlan, ex-gay, New Jersey Family Policy Council; Robin Goodspeed, ex-Lesbian, Wyoming; Mari Chamberlain, ADF allied attorney, Massachusetts; Keith Vennum MD, mental health councilor, Florida; Dr. Vennum's wife; Peter Sprigg, Family Research Council, Washington DC. [All photos by MassResistance]
At issue is Bill H97, which is a major goal of the LGBT lobby this year. It would make it illegal for licensed therapists to help children deal with traumatic sexual orientation problems, often the result of childhood sexual molestation, rape, or abuse. Instead, the bill would only allow therapy that encourages homosexual behavior.
Unfortunately, most people have no idea that battles like this are even happening – which is how the LGBT lobby likes it. But these kinds of laws can severely harm vulnerable children.
The hearing was held before the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. It’s a challenge because the committee is dominated by left-wing social advocates. Plus, House Chairman of that committee, Kay Khan (D-Newton) is the sponsor of H97. But these politicians rarely, if ever, hear the pro-family side of this debate articulated as well as this, and anything can happen. This was the place for the battle!
Normally, the well-organized and well-funded LGBT lobbying machine is accustomed to overwhelming their opponents at these hearings. But this time it was different. They were up against some heavy hitters. And although the people on our side have fewer financial resources, being in Boston for this was important.
Here’s what the legislators saw and heard that day.
The pro-family side - telling the truth!
Honest medical people and those who have been helped through therapy – understand how homosexual behavior is very often a result of early sexual trauma (such as sexual molestation, exposure to pornography, abuse, etc.) or serious issues with one or both parents. If youth can be helped at a critical time, it can save them years of pain, depression, disease, and even suicide.
Here's what the legislators heard that day. (And note in the video, they didn't all take it well!)
VIDEO: "Respecting Our Children's Voices - Testimony Against H97"
(9 min 9 sec)
Pro-family testimony:
Dr. J. Abede Alexandre - child psychologist:
"There is no conclusive evidence in the scientific community separating one particular factor that determines one's sexual orientation. It has failed to conclude that different factors may lead to different psychological responses, which may include serious distress, which one may seek to alleviate using psychotherapy."
Greg Quinlan - NJ Family Policy Council and former homosexual:
"I've heard the term 'conversion therapy' used. That's offensive. That's a term of hate. We're not converting a religion here. This is reparative therapy. All therapy seeks to repair something." He also described how he's an ex-gay, and therapy was crucial to his healing, "Forgiving my father was the issue that helped me overcome my same-sex attraction."
Robin Goodspeed - Voice of the Voiceless and former lesbian:
"I did not choose to be sexually abused as a child, but I did choose homosexuality. I made choices that led to that life. And I spent a lifetime fighting depression, addiction, suicide and being victimized by 'born gay' lies from the culture and [mainstream] counseling community. I know other ex-gays who had similar experiences.
This bill is designed to condemn children like we were to that same experience. Licensed professional therapists through reparative therapy help sexual abuse victims like me heal from trauma."
David Pickup - licensed counselor (and former abuse victim):
"A sexually abused child comes in at 15 years of age, he knows he's heterosexual and he's had sexual abuse. Or homosexual feelings come up and I as a therapist have to say 'I can help you because I know it works, but I can't help you because the state makes it illegal.' Can you imagine the horror?"
Keith Vennum, MD - mental health counselor:
"It's not the job of the legislature to micromanage the work of the helping professionals. ... Were there multiple incidents of gay identified teens being harmed at the hands of helping professionals in Massachusetts, each regulatory board would effectively step in and do the job the legislature has already commissioned them to do, but such harm has not been seen."
Parent and MassResistance activist:
Showed committee that studies show that approximately 10% of youth become confused and think they might be LGBT. But a few years later, when in their 20s, only about 1.6%. actually believe they are LGBT. Proper counseling could relieve so much of the stress and anxiety that these youth go through in that process.
This confrontation was very necessary – especially in the Massachusetts State House. The homosexual movement needs to be strongly rebuked with the truth at every turn. Several liberal committee members were visibly moved by our side’s testimony.
But it's going to take a continuous effort by our people. Last session a nearly identical bill was filed and passed through this committee and a second committee. It was finally derailed before getting to the House floor by strong tactical lobbying by MassResistance activists. We know what’s ahead and we’re getting ready for it. This destructive bill is built on lies and disinformation. When most politicians realize this they don’t like it. That’s why most state legislatures so far have rejected this, though the LGBT lobby is just ramping up their fight even more.
You can also follow the status of H97 on our page of bills. We’ll keep you informed on this!
