US: Draft of Texas Republican platform endorses ‘gay cure’ therapy
The first draft of the Texas GOP’s new state platform includes a provision endorsing ‘gay cure’ therapy.
The platform – which will be discussed at the Texas Republican party convention this week – has changed the party’s position on homosexuality as a whole.
The platform had previously stated: “We affirm that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society and contributes to the breakdown of the family unit. Homosexual behaviour is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God.”
The new draft, however, removes wider condemnation of homosexuality, and instead replaces it with a section endorsing ‘gay cure’ therapy.
According to the Houston Chronicle, it now says: “We recognize the legitimacy and value of counseling which offers reparative therapy and treatment to patients who are seeking escape from the homosexual lifestyle. No laws or executive orders shall be imposed to limit or restrict access to this type of therapy.”
The change drew fire from members of the Republican National Committee, who described the move as a “disgrace”, but the state’s RNC member retorted: “Excluding an entire group of American citizens based solely on their sexual preference toward the same gender is not only divisive but in the 21st century it is unacceptable.”
