Latest Challenge to Calif. Ban on 'Reparative Therapy' Launched

"Conversion therapy" proponent Joseph Nicolosi

The antigay Liberty Counsel filed a civil rights lawsuit on Thursday against California's recently passed law banning "reparative therapy" that attempts to turn gay children straight.

The lawsuit names Encino psychologist Joseph Nicolosi and two Southern California boys undergoing such "therapy," age 14 and 15, as plaintiffs in the suit. The Liberty Council claims the new law violates the teens' freedom of speech and religion by denying them the chance to be "cured" of their same-sex attractions. Read more here.

The challenge is now the second against the landmark law. Last week a group called the Pacific Justice Institute filed suit.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in New Jersey indicate they want their own version of California's "conversion therapy" legislation.