Group Wants Ex-Gay Books on Shelves

A group of "ex-gay" advocates is asking Chicago-area libraries to stock books about quelling same-sex attractions.

Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays argues that their message about the ability to alter sexual orientations is not being heard because libraries are not carrying books such as You Don't Have to Be Gay or A Parent's Guide to Preventing Homosexuality.

"Books about leaving homosexuality are censored in most high school libraries, although gay-affirming books for youth are readily available," said the group's executive director Regina Griggs.

The American Psychological Association, as recently as August, has repeatedly advised therapists to cease "ex-gay" or "reparative" therapies because they have been shown to be largely ineffective, often project homophobic attitudes, and are potentially harmful to clients.