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High Court Refuses to Hear Challenge to NJ Ban on 'Gay Conversion' Therapies

By Kim Glovas

WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBS) -- The US Supreme Court today declined to hear a challenge to a ban on so-called "gay conversion therapy," which means New Jersey's ban on the practice remains in place.

New Jersey governor Chris Christie signed the law in August 2013, banning the practice of therapies designed to convert homosexuals into heterosexuals.

But, says Garden State Equality executive director Andrea Bowen, that law was challenged by "licensed therapists and a Christian counseling group, saying they should be able to engage in conversion therapy.  But ultimately, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals threw out their claim, claiming that they didn't have any standing."

Bowen believes this will now put an end to the arguments in favor of conversion therapy.  She says a number of states have placed bans on the practice, and it appears the nation and the states have reached a consensus that this type of therapy is, she says, "junk science."

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