New Jersey this week became only the second state in the country to ban so-called “ex-gay” therapy for minors.
Republican Gov. Chris Christie on Monday signed into a law a bill that prevents licensed therapists, psychologists, social workers and counselors from administering conversion therapy, or efforts to change a patient’s sexual orientation, to those under 18. The practice is still legal for adults who consent to seeking such treatment.
California was the first state to outlaw conversion therapy last year.
Christie took action on the last day he could before the bill automatically became law without his signature. Both chambers of the state legislature approved the bill by large margins in June.
Christie had previously stated he opposed conversion therapy for minors but declined to comment on whether he would sign or veto the legislation.
In a statement Monday, Christie said he was still concerned about government influence over parental decisions and was signing the legislation “reluctantly.”
But, he said, studies from leading psychological and medical associations have shown that conversion therapy can put youth at increased risk for depression, suicide and other issues.
“I believe that exposing children to these health risks without clear evidence of benefits that outweigh these serious risks is not appropriate,” Christie said.
State Sen. Anthony Williams introduced a similar bill in Pennsylvania earlier this year.