Liberty Counsel Files SCOTUS Appeal To Overturn CA Ban On "Ex-Gay" Torture

Last week the Ninth Circuit Court refused to consider the Liberty Counsel's en banc appeal to overturn California's ban on the "ex-gay" torture of LGBT youth. But the Ninth has now delayed the implementation of the ban while the Liberty Counsel asks the Supreme Court to hear their case.

California's SB 1172, which the 9th Circuit upheld in August, prohibits state-licensed psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors from using sexual-orientation change therapy on patients younger than 18. After the full court refused to hold an en banc rehearing of the case, the challengers requested a stay of the mandate so that they can petition the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari. The appellate panel in turn granted a 90-day stay late Monday. "In the event that the petition for writ of certiorari is timely filed, the stay shall continue until final disposition by the Supreme Court," according to the brief order. Counselors, psychiatrists and their patients filed two cases against Gov. Jerry Brown over the ban, which they challenge as a violation of their free speech rights.

Liberty Counsel is suing on behalf of NARTH spokesman and "ex-gay" David Pickup. Yes, that is his actual name.