Bowie,
MD -- International Healing Foundation (IHF), a non-profit therapeutic
organization based in Bowie, Maryland is demanding answers from Md. Del. Jon
Cardin, who recently introduced, then withdrew, HB 91, which proposed
banning licensed mental health practitioners in Maryland from helping
minor clients who seek to resolve unwanted same-sex attraction (SSA).
Since
1990, IHF has helped thousands of individuals with unwanted SSA and
families struggling with sexual orientation, but on at least two
separate occasions, Del. Cardin made defamatory statements about the
organization in reference to HB 91. With the help of Garza Regan &
Associates, Alliance Defending Freedom Allied Attorneys in Maryland, IHF
is launching an investigation into Cardin’s activities with Equality
Maryland and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
“For
nearly 25 years, IHF has been a beacon of hope in Maryland and around
the world helping individuals conflicted about their sexual orientation.
Our reputation is spotless in the state of Maryland. There has never
been one complaint to the state licensing board over our therapeutic
services. Why then, is Del. Cardin discouraging Maryland families
struggling with homosexuality to seek help from us,” commented
Christopher Doyle, licensed clinical professional counselor and the
Director of IHF. “Cardin’s
statements regarding our work with those who experience unwanted SSA is
equivalent to discrimination. We support the rights of all clients,
gay-identified and those who experience unwanted SSA – however, Del.
Cardin’s actions appear to be motivated by politics, not fairness for
all Marylanders.”
IHF
offers psychotherapy for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender (LGBT) community as well as for those who experience
unwanted SSA. Clients, including minors, set the goals for therapy, and
the counseling is always focused on their stated objectives. For more
information on IHF’s treatment guidelines, visit: www.ComingOutLoved.com.
After
withdrawing HB 91, Cardin publicly spoke against IHF and pledged to
work with state boards that govern therapeutic practices to change
administrative policies, but did not go into specifics as to what
policies he would seek to change.
“Del.
Cardin should not interfere with the business of the Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene in order to appease Equality Maryland and
others who seek to violate the rights of clients with unwanted SSA,”
commented Doyle. “It is outrageous that a state-elected official would
discourage, or believe it’s a problem, for a sexual minority population
to pursue a therapy that is both legal and ethical,” commented Doyle.
In a March 14 press conference, Cardin stated the need for increased regulation around Sexual Orientation Change Effort therapy for minors because
of his view that changing sexual orientation is harmful, yet failed to
provide any scientific evidence to back up his claims, nor could he
point to any such minors in Maryland who have allegedly been harmed by a
licensed mental health practitioner.
“Del.
Cardin should speak with the countless adolescents and families who
have been helped, not harmed, by IHF since 1990. His statements
marginalize former homosexuals and clients in Maryland who have unwanted
SSA and seek change through their own volition. Instead of persecuting
them, Cardin should actually sit down with these individuals to see how
he could truly serve them. Everyone should be able to pursue the life
that feels right to them, and this effort to defame our work and
discriminate against children and families who are simply trying to live
out their sincerely held values and beliefs is wrong,” commented Doyle.