Gays and Lesbians United Against Discrimination submitted this letter to the Washington, D.C., city council as well as all governors' office of all 50 states.
Council:
On behalf of Gays and Lesbians United Against Discrimination ( GLUAD ) , we are requesting that you issue a very critical and urgent order relating to a matter that is leading to an extremely alarming rate of suicide.
As executive director with GLUAD, I am also a gay youth myself and have heard stories from friends and members of the LGBT youth community that are forced into ex-gay camps also known as "reparative therapy" or "pray away the gay" programs or literally CAMPS where gays are sent forcefully to be "changed" from gay to straight.
I had a friend write me telling me that they were told, "there are places where I can be committed that would do more intensive reparative or redemptive therapy with me" and had said to me "Caleb please tell me there are no such places." How would you respond to this young man? He, like many other gay youth are terrified that they too may be forced into such a program.
The matter of ex-gay camps is extremely dangerous and time essential. Alone, the suicide rate within the LGBT community is four times the rate of their heterosexual peers.
Please note these ex-gay programs are strongly discouraged by reputable organizations such as the American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, and the American Psychiatric Association. Please see some research examples below:
http://www.psych.org/Departments/EDU/Library/APAOfficialDocumentsandRelated/PositionStatements/200001.aspx;
http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/sexual-orientation.aspx;
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-4107-GayLesbian-Issues-Examiner~y2009m8d5-APA-reportGay-conversion-therapy-can-cause-depression-and-suicide-attempts;
www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2009/08/therapeutic.aspx; and
http://www.apa.org/about/governance/council/policy/sexual-orientation.aspx
It is critical to note that this is not about a political movement. This is about promoting the safety, well-being and health of our nation's youth. Our experiences during teenage years are pivotal to life development. Hence, it is crucial that our youth are taught to accept themselves the way they are; not broken down and oppressed by such deceptive programs.
We request that you issue an executive order stating something similar to"consent and agreement on the behalf of the minor is required in order to be enrolled into an ex-gay camp, pray away the gay program, or reparative therapy. If the child fails or refuses to agree to sign the required form, he/she has the legal right as the program ( s ) will make a life threatening difference in their life. If the parent or parents attempt to force the child to sign, request in a violent or abusive manner, or make a threat leading to the signature, that child has eligibility to report child abuseneglect, endangerment, physical abuse, and mental abuse."
Please note that we will be submitting a copy of this letter to media outlets throughout the state, as well as to members of the legislature that will also be sure to take this matter seriously.
Your decision on this matter will impact lives and families of the state"Always think and remember a child is listening" and how is that child to have hope, if you confiscate that hope?
With determination,
Caleb Laieski
Executive Director
Gays and Lesbians United Against Discrimination