Oklahoma House committee advances 'conversion therapy' bill

By Heide Brandes OKLAHOMA CITY (Reuters) - A bill that would protect an Oklahoma parent's right to take a child to conversion therapy aimed at eliminating same-sex attraction or gender confusion advanced on Tuesday from a state House of Representatives committee. The proposal, approved in a 5-3 vote in the Republican-dominated Oklahoma legislature, bars local or state governments from restricting or prohibiting the therapy or counseling. "Ultimately, this is to protect children who suffer from same-sex attraction," said Republican Representative Sally Kern, author of the bill and several other proposals that would limit the rights of gay and transgender people in Oklahoma. Lawmakers also have considered prohibiting use of taxpayer funds or governmental salaries to support same-sex marriage and prohibiting a religious entity from being required to recognize gay marriage or provide services or employment to gays.



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