PENNSYLVANIA, January 20 - peer-reviewed journal literature on sexual orientation change

efforts and issued a report in 2009. The task force concluded

that sexual orientation change efforts can pose critical

health risks to lesbian, gay and bisexual people, including

confusion, depression, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness,

shame, social withdrawal, thoughts of suicide, substance

abuse, stress, disappointment, self-blame, decreased self-

esteem and authenticity to others, increased self-hatred,

hostility and blame toward parents, feelings of anger and

betrayal, loss of friends and potential romantic partners,

problems in sexual and emotional intimacy, sexual

dysfunction, high-risk sexual behaviors, a feeling of being

dehumanized and untrue to self, a loss of faith and a sense

of having wasted time and resources.

(3) The American Psychological Association issued a

resolution on Appropriate Affirmative Responses to Sexual

Orientation Distress and Change Efforts in 2009, which

advises "parents, guardians, young people, and their families

to avoid sexual orientation change efforts that portray

homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder

and to seek psychotherapy, social support, and educational

services that provide accurate information on sexual

orientation and sexuality, increase family and school

support, and reduce rejection of sexual minority youth."

(4) The American Psychiatric Association published a

position statement in March 2000, which stated:

(i) "Psychotherapeutic modalities to convert or

'repair' homosexuality are based on developmental

theories whose scientific validity is questionable.

Furthermore, anecdotal reports of 'cures' are

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