Plaintiffs, Activists React to 'Gay Conversion' Therapy Fraud Verdict

On Thursday, a jury in New Jersey found that a nonprofit organization that practiced "gay conversion" therapy violated the state's consumer fraud act. The move was hailed by gay rights activists and mental health professionals who have long deemed the practice harmful.

According to the Associated Press, the jury found Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing and its co-founder Arthur Goldberg made false promises that they could turn homosexuals into heterosexuals by, among other methods, having them spend more time naked with their fathers.

Here's what the plaintiffs and activists involved had to say about the landmark verdict:

"I am so grateful that the jury has decided conversion therapy organizations do not have the right to lie to and deceive people. It is a victory not just for me but for other victims of this harmful therapy. Thank you to all of our lawyers, friends and supporters who have been there for me throughout this difficult process."
Plaintiff, Benjamin Unger, 27

"Seven years ago, I was subjected to abusive, harmful practices by JONAH that I thought would remain secret and unnoticed despite how destructive they were -- in part because they thrived on this secrecy in their so-called therapy practice. Now the world knows about their destructive, refuted practices. I took part in this lawsuit to take a stand. I don't want another person to endure the anguish and harm JONAH put my loved ones and me through."

Plaintiff, Chaim Levin, 26

"This unanimous victory is profoundly gratifying and a landmark defeat for conversion therapists. This case shows that there are consequences for a practice that is consumer fraud and harms clients. We hope the results of this case will lead to a chilling effect on this destructive industry and serve as a warning to those who might be seduced into the believing the falsehood that conversion therapy works."

Wayne Besen, Executive Director, Truth Wins Out

Conversion therapy and homophobia are based on the same central lie -- that gay people are broken and need to be fixed. Conversion therapists, including the defendants in this case, sell fake cures that don't work and can seriously harm the unsuspecting people who fall into this trap."
David Dinielli, Deputy Legal Director, SPLC.

"Today's verdict is a major victory in the fight to end the shameful and deceptive practice of conversion therapy. Too often, vulnerable young people and their families are lured into believing the false promises offered by groups like JONAH that they can "cure" gay people by changing their sexual orientation or gender identity. Today's verdict sends a clear message to those who seek to prey on the fears of those who are just beginning to come to terms with their sexual orientation or gender identity: if you falsely promise a non-existent "cure" for a disease that does not exist, you will be held responsible. We congratulate our colleagues at the Southern Poverty Law Center for this important victory."�

Christopher Stoll, Senior Staff Attorney, National Center for Lesbian Rights