Box Turtle Bulletin
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobby“Now you must raise your children up in a world where that union of man and box turtle is on the same legal footing as man and wife…”
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobbyFebruary 4th, 2016
The United States has become increasingly unwelcome towards organizations that purport to change sexual orientation or, as they often couch it, to increase masculinity and resolve unwanted homosexual attractions. Some states have banned such practices if directed towards youth.
Famously, Jewish ex-gay group JONAH (Jews offering New Alternatives to Healing) was ordered out of existence in December 2015. But it appears that they could find a much more welcoming attitude were they to set up shop in the Levant.
Israel is by a long long shot the most advanced nation in the Middle East when it comes to gay issues. But it also has a very strong religious community in which opposition to homosexuality is fierce.
An article in Philly.com does not take up JONAH, directly, but discusses how other ex-gay groups fare in Israel.
At least four men’s support groups meet weekly in Jerusalem, said Jerusalem psychotherapist Adam Jessel, who has worked with hundreds of people looking to overcome their homosexuality. Some Israeli organizations also promote therapy.
The U.S. group People Can Change runs a seminar in Israel, the U.S. and Europe called Journey Into Manhood, which it says helps men “resolve unwanted homosexual attractions.” About 50 men participated in a seminar last month at a confidential location in northern Israel.
My apologies to the people of Israel. At this point in history, we do seem to export our worst attributes around the world.
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MattNYC
February 5th, 2016
Oy Vey!
Eric Payne
February 5th, 2016
When HONAH agreed to fold, I figured something like this was going to happen.
At the time of the court’s decision to force JONAH’s closure, I remember saying I was surprised… that of all the “reparative” torture chambers, JONAH would have the strongest claim to First Amendment protections.
But why operate in a country where you have to negotiate all the twists-and-turns of regulations when you can up and move to a country that will protect your practices?
I wonder how long it will be before an American teen, shipped off by his US parents, appeals to the US Embassy in Israel for sanctuary?
enough already
February 5th, 2016
As a survivor of the torture these monsters in human form inflict upon their victims I have full sympathy with any gay child or teen who has to maim or kill one of these Lebensformen in their escape.
Regan DuCasse
February 5th, 2016
Considering the murderous attacks that have occurred against gay YOUNGSTERS and their allies, in Israel, perhaps JONAH and their similar cohorts, won’t be able to proliferate EASILY.
And these attacks were from the most ultra Orthodox of Jews, themselves a minority surrounded by the progress and modernity that offends them in general.
I’m hoping that this advancement will allow for the families of gays, to if not actively keep JONAH from operating, make the lives of their gay family members so accepted, that JONAH won’t have any customers.
Lord_Byron
February 5th, 2016
It would seem that much of the therapy in Israel is orthodox men who wish to become straight and have a family.
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