Texas Republicans have adopted a party platform that includes support for voluntary psychological `` therapy '' targeted at converting homosexuals to heterosexuals . Almost 10,000 attendees gathered in Fort Worth at the annual Texas GOP Convention to vote on a platform ahead of the 2016 race for the White House . Supporters of `` conversion '' or `` reparative '' therapy believe the treatment is effective in turning gays straight . California and New Jersey have banned the treatment for minors . The Texas Republicans ' measure states that `` We recognize the legitimacy and efficacy of counseling , which offers reparative therapy and treatment for those patients seeking healing and wholeness from their homosexual lifestyle . No laws or executive orders shall be imposed to limit or restrict access to this type of therapy . '' Spearheading the endorsement is Cathie Adams , president of the conservative Texas Eagle Forum . She stressed that the measure calls for allowing people to choose the treatment . `` Nothing is mandatory , '' Adams wrote in an e-mail to CNN on Saturday . `` If a person chooses counseling , then it should be made available . California and New Jersey have passed bills OUTLAWING it altogether , which is under litigation . It 's a freedom issue . '' But an array of professional organizations oppose gay conversion therapy . Such groups include the American Medical Association , the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association . `` The most important fact about these 'therapies ' is that they are based on a view of homosexuality that has been rejected by all the major mental health professions , '' said the APA , the nation 's largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology . `` To date , there has been no scientifically adequate research to show that therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation ... is safe or effective . '' Adams told CNN in a phone interview she was introduced to reparative treatment by a constituent in her precinct who claimed he was a gay man who is now straight because of such treatment . `` I do not think homosexuals are born as homosexuals , '' Adams said . `` To say this is an unchangeable thing , there are too many people who 've changed their mind about homosexuality . No one can change the color of their skin or change the place they 're born , but they can definitely choose their lifestyles , '' she added . Last August , New Jersey Gov . Chris Christie signed into law a measure banning gay conversion therapy for minors . `` The American Psychological Association has found that efforts to change sexual orientations can pose critical health risks including , but not limited to , depression , substance abuse , social withdrawal , decreased self-esteem and suicidal thoughts , '' the Republican governor said in his signing statement . `` I believe that exposing children to these health risks without clear evidence of benefits that outweigh these serious risks is not appropriate . ''
`` Reparative therapy '' aims to turn gays straight . `` Nothing is mandatory , '' says one supporter of the state GOP platform . California and New Jersey banned 'reparative therapy ' for minors in 2013 . Psychology group : No adequate research shows such treatment is safe or effective .