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Podcasts Take Two
Author, counselor weigh on banning conversion therapy
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Apr 9, 2015
Listen • 15:51
Author, counselor weigh on banning conversion therapy
President Barack Obama has announced support for an end to what's commonly known as conversion therapy, which aims at changing someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.
File: A man carries a rainbow flag and whistle at the LA Pride Parade on June 8, 2014 in West Hollywood, California.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - JUNE 8: A man carries a rainbow flag and whistle at the LA Pride Parade on June 8, 2014 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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President Barack Obama has announced support for an end to what's commonly known as conversion therapy, which aims at changing someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.

President Barack Obama has announced support for an end to what's commonly known as conversion therapy.

This branch of psychiatric therapy is aimed at changing the sexual orientation or gender identity of gay, lesbian and transgender youth. 

The president will not explicitly call for a federal law banning therapists from using such techniques. Rather, White House Officials say he'll throw his support behind the efforts to ban the practice at the state level.

Journalist Jeff Chu, author of the book "Does Jesus Really Love Me? A Gay Christian's Pilgrimage in Search of God in America," and counselor James Guay join host Alex Cohen with more.