Gov. Jerry Brown Signs Bill Banning ‘Ex-Gay’ Therapy For LGBT Youth In California

California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation that will ban “reparative”ex-gay therapy on anyone under the age of 18 in that state

The bill, SB 1172, prohibits such treatment, and any practitioner who does engage in such procedures will be subject to discipline by their licensing board.

“This bill bans non-scientific ‘therapies’ that have driven young people to depression and suicide. These practices have no basis in science or medicine and they will now be relegated to the dustbin of quackery,” Brown said in a statement to The San Francisco Chronicle.

“This is a historic day that protects LGBT youth from child abuse disguised as genuine therapy,” said Truth Wins Out’s Executive Director Wayne Besen. “We thank Gov. Brown for signing legislation that can serve as a model for similar bills across the nation.”

The law goes into effect January 1, 2013.