Coverage of Zach's story seems to still be causing trouble for Love In Action/Refuge (LIA/R.) The facility is still under investigation by the state of Tennessee, over allegations that it may be operating without a license, and that counselors may be performing therapy for which they are not licensed.
Still no word from Zach, but the right wing media is now starting to pick up on the story.
From AgapePress:
...A Christian group that tries to help people escape from homosexuality is again drawing attention from state investigators. Tennessee's Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities wants to know if Love In Action International is conducting improper counseling sessions with unlicensed personnel. Love In Action recently was investigated by the Department of Children's Services on a child-abuse complaint that was found to be unsubstantiated. John Smid, Love In Action's executive director, says his group does not provide psychological, drug or alcohol counseling but helps people overcome homosexuality through faith in Jesus Christ. Love In Action's work, particularly with teenagers, has drawn protests from pro-homosexual advocates. [AP]
CBN.Com also has a story up that actually includes the last name of Zach's family. It also includes several quotes from Zach's father. Not a word from Zach himself. What it also doesn't say is whether Zach is accepting LIA/R's teachings or not. It doesn't say whether their attempt at reparative therapy is taking or not. If the article is any indication, we won't be hearing from Zach until at least after his time with LIA/R is finished. He's not allowed internet access while he's in the program. On a somewhat positive note maybe this article, coming as it does from right wing source, will silence people who are still saying that Zach and his story are hoaxes.
Here's one quote from Zach's father.
“We felt very good about Zach coming here because…to let him see for himself the destructive lifestyle, what he has to face in the future, and to give him some options that society doesn't give him today...Knowing that your son... statistics say that by the age of 30 he could either have AIDS or be dead.”
Well, I had similar words said to me at that age, as a 36 year old, HIV negative, gay man with a wonderful family and a great life, I hope Zach isn't buying into the lie that they're obviously trying to feed him. There is life -- happy and healthy life -- beyond of the narrow box his parents and LIA/R are trying to force him into.
GORILLA ATTACKS GAYS!
Posted by: Hairy Beard | July 15, 2005 at 02:16 AM
I read Zach's original post and it was clear that he was in a very controlled environment against his will.
I was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for a number of years, investigating and monitoring cases of child abuse and neglect referred to the courts. Most states mention psychological abuse in their laws but the definition and perameters are pretty vague and rarely if ever enforced.
That leaves kids who are emotionally and psychologically abused very vulnerable and unprotected by laws.
Since every national professional organization has made declarations about the damage done via "reparative therapy", and many consider so-called practitioners unethical, there should be more definitive actions taken against orgs and individuals who take this approach. It is especially damaging to adolescents, most of whom experience some period of questioning around their sexual identity. That is the not time for judgemental and unsafe environments but just the opposite.
I hope the investigations indicate that they are practicing without a license and there are legal consequences which are enforced. I would wish the same for so-called clergy and other religious practitioners who do great harm to the most vulnerable.
Some therapists and counselors have had their licesned revoked. It should be happening more often. I consider these violations of professional ethics as serious as those in the medical profession which result in long term or permanent harm to patients.
Posted by: Kate Bishop | July 20, 2005 at 12:25 PM