In an Aug. 9 Newsmax column running to defense of a counseling student who is suing her college because she claims the school wanted her to “renounce her faith” regarding her anti-gay views — which would likely interfere in any counseling career — Herbert London seems to be endorsing the controversial practice of conversion therapy to change gays’ sexual orientation:
To exacerbate matters within the department, [student Jennifer Keeton] argued the “conversion therapy” for homosexuals should be entertained, a point of view that departed significantly from accepted norms within the program and according to program officials, from “psychological research.”
It is noteworthy that the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) defends the practice Keaton [sic] advocates and notes opponents of conversion therapy are often criticized by politically motivated biases, albeit, in fairness, the reverse accusation might also be made.
No, it is not “noteworthy” that NARTH endorses conversion therapy; after all, it is an anti-gay group, so it’s presumably more than happy to eliminate gays by whatever means. (A NARTH board member was recently caught hanging out in Europe with a male escort, so whatever it does seems not to stick.)
Additionally, all major national mental health organizations oppose conversion therapy. Does London think all of these organizations have “politically motivated biases”?