Texas GOP Platform Embraces ‘Reparative Therapy’ to ‘Escape Homosexual Lifestyle’

The Republican Party of Texas has drafted a new platform for 2014 which embraces so-called “ex-gay” or “reparative therapy,” a practice that has been deemed ineffective, harmful, or even dangerous by every major medical organization.

“We recognize the legitimacy and value of counseling which offers reparative therapy and treatment to patients who are seeking escape from the homosexual lifestyle,” the first draft, according to the Houston Chronicle, reads. “No laws or executive orders shall be imposed to limit or restrict access to this type of therapy.”

This statement is actually a more moderate stance from the Texas GOP’s 2012 platform (full final copy), which read, “we affirm that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society and contributes to the breakdown of the family unit. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God.”

The 2012 platform added:

Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle in our public education and policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We are opposed to any granting of special legal entitlements, refuse to recognize, or grant special privileges including, but not limited to: marriage between persons of the same sex (regardless of state of origin), custody of children by homosexuals, homosexual partner insurance or retirement benefits. We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values.

The Texas 2012 GOP platform actually mentioned homosexuality thirteen times, and lambasted “well-funded, vigorous political and judicial attempts by powerful organizations and branches of the government to force acceptance, affirmation and normalization of homosexual behavior upon school children, parents, educational institutions, businesses, employees, government bodies and religious institutions and charities,” claiming that these “aggressive, intolerant efforts marginalize as bigots anyone who dissents.”

The Houston Chronicle adds that the new language “drew some ire during testimony Thursday morning, with at least one delegate imploring the committee to return to the platform language about homosexuality tearing at the fabric of society.”

So much for “big tent.”