On Sunday, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law that bans ‘conversion therapy’, a controversial practice intended to change the sexual orientation of homosexual minors.

A non-profit organization, The Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), Monday filed a lawsuit against the new law alleging that it violates civil rights of minors. “The new law is an outrageous violation of the fundamental First Amendment and privacy rights of young people,” said Brad Dacus, the president of the PJI in an interview with L.A.’s NBC4 television station.

The therapy is based in the belief that sexual orientation can be changed and that the root of homosexuality is based in childhood trauma and it involves the use of techniques like aversion training, persuasion, and even pornography to convince gay teens that they are straight.

So does the new law violate or protect the rights of gay minors? What are the rights of religious organizations who believe that homosexuality is a sin?

Guest:

Brad Dacus, president, Pacific Justice Institute, a non-profit legal defense organization that defends parental rights and religious freedom

David Codell, board member, Equality California and pro bono counsel