NEWARK, N.J. (AP) – A southern New Jersey couple has sued Gov. Chris Christie over his signing of a bill banning so-called gay conversion therapy, claiming it violates their constitutional rights.
The couple, who isn’t identified in the court papers filed Friday, claims the law violates their rights to free speech and free exercise of religion because it prevents them from seeking treatment for their 15-year-old son.
According to the lawsuit, the teen suffers from “unwanted gender identity disorder and unwanted same-sex attractions” and has contemplated suicide.
Christie signed the bill in August. It bans licensed therapists from trying to turn gay teenagers straight. The Republican governor said the health risks of trying to change a child’s sexual orientation, as identified by the American Psychological Association, trump concerns over setting limits on parental choice.
