On conversion therapy, American law and Jewish law are moving in different directions

On conversion therapy, American law and Jewish law are moving in different directions

I do not typically sign public rabbinic statements. I rarely agree with every word of a collective letter, and signing one can shift the focus from the work itself to defending the decision to sign. But a recent letter had me questioning my commitment. The letter, signed by nearly 100 Orthodox rabbis so far, declares that “conversion therapy” — counseling meant to change sexual orientation from gay to straight — is outside the bounds of Jewish l…