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FORT WORTH, Texas June 6, 2014 (AP)
By PAUL J. WEBER and WILL WEISSERT Associated Press

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/texas-gop-advances-reparative-therapy-gays-24020918?singlePage=true

Gay Republicans in Texas said Friday they may stop fighting their party's proposed endorsement of "reparative therapy" over worries that even tougher anti-gay language could be added to the party platform.

The Texas Republican Party is poised to adopt a new platform this weekend that would support psychological treatments that seek to turn gay people straight. Such therapies were banned for minors last year by New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie, and California has a similar law.

But a fight to remove the therapy language during the Texas GOP convention on Saturday could backfire, said Jeff Davis, chairman of gay conservative group Texas Log Cabin Republicans. A final platform vote would include nearly 10,000 delegates at the biennial convention, which has long been unfriendly territory for gays.

Davis said his group and its allies haven't settled on a strategy, but that it may be better to adopt a longer-term plan to educate conservatives on the harms of psychological treatments that seek to turn gay people straight.

"Fighting it on the floor may not be the best court of action," Davis said. "It might be in our best interest to wait until the convention is over and regroup."

Under the new proposed plank, the Texas GOP would "recognize the legitimacy and efficacy of counseling, which offers reparative therapy and treatment for those patients seeking healing and wholeness from their homosexual lifestyle."

The American Psychological Association and other major health organizations have condemned such counseling, which generally try to change a person's sexual orientation or to lessen their interest in engaging in same-sex sexual activity. The groups say the practice should not be used on minors because of the danger of serious psychological harm.

But trying to strip the language from the Texas GOP platform could set off a contentious fight and result in altering the language even more. The therapy phrasing survived a key committee vote late Thursday, but hardliners had sought to change "homosexuality" in the platform to "sexual sins."

Also on the table is removing decades-old language that states, "homosexuality tears at the fabric of society." Davis said that was the only language his group sought to change at the convention, and that he still wanted to go home with that win.

The therapy language was inserted at the urging of Cathie Adams of Dallas, leader of the influential tea party group Texas Eagle Forum and a onetime chairwoman of the Texas Republican Party.

Adams, whose group backed tea party outsiders who dominated Texas Republican primary races this year, said she simply promoted language proposed by a man she said was helped by such therapy, which has been defended by some smaller groups, including the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality.

"He knows what he's talking about. He is one of those who has benefited," Adams said. "I think the majority of Texans feel that way too. It's not like this is mandatory. This is only a voluntary program."

In August, New Jersey became the second U.S. state to ban licensed therapists from trying to turn gay teenagers straight. The bill was signed by Christie, a possible 2016 presidential candidate who opposes same-sex marriage but has said he believes people are born gay and that homosexuality isn't a sin.

Judges on a federal appeals court also upheld a similar ban in California last fall, saying that trying to change a minor's sexual orientation through intense therapy appeared dangerous. The California Legislature has cited reports, experts and anecdotes involving suicides, substance abuse and other behavior by young recipients of the therapy.

Republican delegate Elizabeth Hunter, 20, said she didn't see any reason for removing language that describes being gay as tearing at the fabric of society.

"I don't see anybody leaving the Republican Party because of that language," she said. "I think it would actually encourage someone to join when they see that the Republican Party takes a strong stand rather than standing in the middle."

 d-usa wrote:

"I don't see anybody leaving the Republican Party because of that language," she said. "I think it would actually encourage someone to join when they see that the Republican Party takes a strong stand rather than standing in the middle."

This is the exact opinion that makes me reluctant to openly admit that I'm a Republican.

Really, I've had these Republican leanings my entire life. I don't ever remember choosing to be a Republican. I don't have any desire to force guns into the arms of little children, or 'convert' homosexuals, or take rights away from minorities. I think I'm a good person.

Ever since I realized I was a Republican in high school, I have been very conflicted. At first I tried to hide it, but then I found myself seeking out other Republicans in secret.

Last year I told my parents that I'm a Republican. I was worried that they would be upset, or think it was their fault. I was one of the lucky ones; my parents told me they'd always known I was a Republican, and was glad I could finally admit it to myself.

So if there are other Republicans out there, telling their friends they vote Green Party, listen to NPR, and LOVE Bill Maher, it's time for us to come out in the open.

It may seem bad now, but it gets better.

Is there actually any recommended course of therapy to recover from being Republican?

It's not easy to come out of the gun closet.

 Jimsolo wrote:

 d-usa wrote:

"I don't see anybody leaving the Republican Party because of that language," she said. "I think it would actually encourage someone to join when they see that the Republican Party takes a strong stand rather than standing in the middle."

This is the exact opinion that makes me reluctant to openly admit that I'm a Republican.

Really, I've had these Republican leanings my entire life. I don't ever remember choosing to be a Republican. I don't have any desire to force guns into the arms of little children, or 'convert' homosexuals, or take rights away from minorities. I think I'm a good person.

Ever since I realized I was a Republican in high school, I have been very conflicted. At first I tried to hide it, but then I found myself seeking out other Republicans in secret.

Last year I told my parents that I'm a Republican. I was worried that they would be upset, or think it was their fault. I was one of the lucky ones; my parents told me they'd always known I was a Republican, and was glad I could finally admit it to myself.

So if there are other Republicans out there, telling their friends they vote Green Party, listen to NPR, and LOVE Bill Maher, it's time for us to come out in the open.

It may seem bad now, but it gets better.

Jimsolo... it's okay. Just realize that there's no label that perfectly describes you.

FWIW, I'm a South Park Republican.

As to the OP... I can't facepalm hard enough.

Marriage is one of those basic building blocks of our social fabric. At its best, it is a stable bond between two individuals who work to create a loving household, with strong social/economic partnership.

Marriage is encouraged because the commitments they make to one another provide benefits not only to themselves, but also to their families and communities.

Marriage requires thinking beyond one's own needs. It transforms two people into a union based on shared aspirations, and in doing so establishes a formal investment in the well-being of society. The fact that individuals who happen to be gay wanting to share in this great social institution is evidence that conservative ideals enjoy widespread acceptance. Religious conservatives should celebrate this, rather than oppose it.

The Texas Republican Party is making a ginormous mistake in advocating this plank and I hope it fails.



Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Kilkrazy wrote:
Is there actually any recommended course of therapy to recover from being Republican?

Once you go GOP, you don't go back.

 Jimsolo wrote:

 d-usa wrote:

"I don't see anybody leaving the Republican Party because of that language," she said. "I think it would actually encourage someone to join when they see that the Republican Party takes a strong stand rather than standing in the middle."

This is the exact opinion that makes me reluctant to openly admit that I'm a Republican.

Really, I've had these Republican leanings my entire life. I don't ever remember choosing to be a Republican. I don't have any desire to force guns into the arms of little children, or 'convert' homosexuals, or take rights away from minorities. I think I'm a good person.

Ever since I realized I was a Republican in high school, I have been very conflicted. At first I tried to hide it, but then I found myself seeking out other Republicans in secret.

Last year I told my parents that I'm a Republican. I was worried that they would be upset, or think it was their fault. I was one of the lucky ones; my parents told me they'd always known I was a Republican, and was glad I could finally admit it to myself.

So if there are other Republicans out there, telling their friends they vote Green Party, listen to NPR, and LOVE Bill Maher, it's time for us to come out in the open.

It may seem bad now, but it gets better.

I... what...

You do know you are allowed to change your political leanings and that they do not define you right... RIGHT?!

America needs more then 2 parties...

 Soladrin wrote:

 Jimsolo wrote:

 d-usa wrote:

"I don't see anybody leaving the Republican Party because of that language," she said. "I think it would actually encourage someone to join when they see that the Republican Party takes a strong stand rather than standing in the middle."

This is the exact opinion that makes me reluctant to openly admit that I'm a Republican.

Really, I've had these Republican leanings my entire life. I don't ever remember choosing to be a Republican. I don't have any desire to force guns into the arms of little children, or 'convert' homosexuals, or take rights away from minorities. I think I'm a good person.

Ever since I realized I was a Republican in high school, I have been very conflicted. At first I tried to hide it, but then I found myself seeking out other Republicans in secret.

Last year I told my parents that I'm a Republican. I was worried that they would be upset, or think it was their fault. I was one of the lucky ones; my parents told me they'd always known I was a Republican, and was glad I could finally admit it to myself.

So if there are other Republicans out there, telling their friends they vote Green Party, listen to NPR, and LOVE Bill Maher, it's time for us to come out in the open.

It may seem bad now, but it gets better.

I... what...

You do know you are allowed to change your political leanings and that they do not define you right... RIGHT?!

America needs more then 2 parties...

I have a feeling that Jim wasn't being entirely serious.

 Avatar 720 wrote:

 Soladrin wrote:

 Jimsolo wrote:

 d-usa wrote:

"I don't see anybody leaving the Republican Party because of that language," she said. "I think it would actually encourage someone to join when they see that the Republican Party takes a strong stand rather than standing in the middle."

This is the exact opinion that makes me reluctant to openly admit that I'm a Republican.

Really, I've had these Republican leanings my entire life. I don't ever remember choosing to be a Republican. I don't have any desire to force guns into the arms of little children, or 'convert' homosexuals, or take rights away from minorities. I think I'm a good person.

Ever since I realized I was a Republican in high school, I have been very conflicted. At first I tried to hide it, but then I found myself seeking out other Republicans in secret.

Last year I told my parents that I'm a Republican. I was worried that they would be upset, or think it was their fault. I was one of the lucky ones; my parents told me they'd always known I was a Republican, and was glad I could finally admit it to myself.

So if there are other Republicans out there, telling their friends they vote Green Party, listen to NPR, and LOVE Bill Maher, it's time for us to come out in the open.

It may seem bad now, but it gets better.

I... what...

You do know you are allowed to change your political leanings and that they do not define you right... RIGHT?!

America needs more then 2 parties...

I have a feeling that Jim wasn't being entirely serious.

Can you blame me for taking it at face value? This is American politics we are talking about.

 d-usa wrote:

.......including the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality.

I'm sure that this is an institution that conducts absolutely first class research.

 Kilkrazy wrote:
Is there actually any recommended course of therapy to recover from being Republican?

I don't think it's physically possible to shove your head back up there.

 Kilkrazy wrote:
Is there actually any recommended course of therapy to recover from being Republican?

College, Or Seaweed smoothies.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 SlaveToDorkness wrote:

 Kilkrazy wrote:
Is there actually any recommended course of therapy to recover from being Republican?

I don't think it's physically possible to shove your head back up there.

I hate this kinda statements.
yay, lets bag on democrats

 Jimsolo wrote:

 d-usa wrote:

"I don't see anybody leaving the Republican Party because of that language," she said. "I think it would actually encourage someone to join when they see that the Republican Party takes a strong stand rather than standing in the middle."

This is the exact opinion that makes me reluctant to openly admit that I'm a Republican.

Agreed. I actually may be changing my party affiliation to independent before the next election. I can't accept some of these fringe positions becoming platforms.

nkelsch wrote:

 Jimsolo wrote:

 d-usa wrote:

"I don't see anybody leaving the Republican Party because of that language," she said. "I think it would actually encourage someone to join when they see that the Republican Party takes a strong stand rather than standing in the middle."

This is the exact opinion that makes me reluctant to openly admit that I'm a Republican.

Agreed. I actually may be changing my party affiliation to independent before the next election. I can't accept some of these fringe positions becoming platforms.

That's the path to healing and recovery, just like being gay.

First you are Republican/Gay.
Then you are Independent/Bi-Curious.
Then you become a Liberal/Straight.

With idiots like that around I don't see how the US can function, good thing I live in the UK and parties like ukip don't exist and we're all moderate... Yippie...:(

...or parties like Britain First, the British National Party, or National Front.

Because it isn't like America has a monopoly on racist douchebags.

Oh Jim Jim Jim, how did we both forget the conservatives and republicans in that list of lunatics and idiots, I go feel sad no yes. Thank

 SlaveToDorkness wrote:

I don't think it's physically possible to shove your head back up there.

y'know from certain points of view, the same could be said of Democrats...

(for the record, I'm not liberal or conservative, dem or repub... but I'm not of the "independent party" because somehow being independent is now a party)

 hotsauceman1 wrote:

 Kilkrazy wrote:
Is there actually any recommended course of therapy to recover from being Republican?

College, Or Seaweed smoothies.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 SlaveToDorkness wrote:

 Kilkrazy wrote:
Is there actually any recommended course of therapy to recover from being Republican?

I don't think it's physically possible to shove your head back up there.

I hate this kinda statements.
yay, lets bag on democrats

This is ironic as gak.

 whembly wrote:

Marriage requires thinking beyond one's own needs. It transforms two people into a union based on shared aspirations, and in doing so establishes a formal investment in the well-being of society. The fact that individuals who happen to be gay wanting to share in this great social institution is evidence that conservative ideals enjoy widespread acceptance. Religious conservatives should celebrate this, rather than oppose it.

The fact of the matter is that, for many conservatives, anything homosexuals want to do actively works against the well-being of society as they see it functioning; be it for religious or mundane reasons. Something which I'm certain the Texas GOP is aware of, and has researched. At any rate, I think Jeff Davis' response is quite prudent.

At any rate, I wouldn't call marriage a conservative social institution, I think it exists beyond that dichotomy. I would also argue that marriage itself does not reflect an investment in the well-being of society. It involves only the social and legal recognition of a particular sort of relationship, whether or not that is good for society is secondary at least; and nonexistent at most.

Indeed, social pressure to get married and maintain a marriage can have,(and has had) a significant negative impact on society, see: unreported (and ignored) spousal abuse in the Postwar US.

And we're off again on marriage debate

Stay classy Texas.

 Kain wrote:
Stay classy Texas.

Go feth yourself, Texas.

Well, might as well godwin this with an image I just saw:

 dogma wrote:

 whembly wrote:

Marriage requires thinking beyond one's own needs. It transforms two people into a union based on shared aspirations, and in doing so establishes a formal investment in the well-being of society. The fact that individuals who happen to be gay wanting to share in this great social institution is evidence that conservative ideals enjoy widespread acceptance. Religious conservatives should celebrate this, rather than oppose it.

The fact of the matter is that, for many conservatives, anything homosexuals want to do actively works against the well-being of society as they see it functioning; be it for religious or mundane reasons. Something which I'm certain the Texas GOP is aware of, and has researched. At any rate, I think Jeff Davis' response is quite prudent.

At any rate, I wouldn't call marriage a conservative social institution, I think it exists beyond that dichotomy. I would also argue that marriage itself does not reflect an investment in the well-being of society. It involves only the social and legal recognition of a particular sort of relationship, whether or not that is good for society is secondary at least; and nonexistent at most.

Indeed, social pressure to get married and maintain a marriage can have,(and has had) a significant negative impact on society, see: unreported (and ignored) spousal abuse in the Postwar US.

Are you really saying gays are trying to bring America down? As that's what it looks like, please clarify for me

 Formosa wrote:

Are you really saying gays are trying to bring America down

No. How did you gather as much from this:

The fact of the matter is that, for many conservatives, anything homosexuals want to do actively works against the well-being of society as they see it functioning; be it for religious or mundane reasons. Something which I'm certain the Texas GOP is aware of, and has researched. At any rate, I think Jeff Davis' response is quite prudent.

You're either trying to troll me, didn't read, or do not speak English as a a primary language.