Oregon Panel Considers Bill Banning 'Gay Conversion Therapy'

People who say they used to be gay but are now straight are asking an Oregon Senate panel to say no to a bill barring health professionals from trying to change a child's sexual orientation through therapy.

The measure has already passed the House. Supporters of the bill say the therapy should be illegal because it can lead to anxiety, depression and destructive behavior in children.

But critics say the bill takes away parental choice and infringes on their 1st Amendment rights.

People who said they had gone through the therapy told the Senate Committee on Human Services and Early Childhood Wednesday they wanted to change their feelings of homosexuality and the therapy helped.