The American Psychological Association declared last week that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments.

In a resolution adopted by the APA’s governing council, and in an accompanying report, the association issued its most comprehensive repudiation of “reparative therapy” – a concept espoused by a small but persistent group of therapists, often allied with religious conservatives, who maintain gays can change their sexual orientation.

This of course is not news to us! We’ve long known being gay isn’t a psychological illness and can’t be changed.

Some people, however, are so convinced that experts are “politically motivated” or unduly influenced by the “gay agenda,” that no amount of expert testimony will convince them that homosexuality is anything other than wrong, immoral, unhealthy, dangerous and all-around evil.

Professional “marriage defenders” perpetuate such belief in gays’ incredible power in order to justify our continued mistreatment and oppression. GLBT people cannot be truly oppressed, they argue, because the “gay lobby” is rich, powerful and exerts disproportionate influence on society.

So our hats are off to the APA for announcing the resolution – adopted by a 125-4 vote. The APA also noted that research suggests efforts to change sexual orientation could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies. You think?

Instead of seeking to change gays into straights, the APA urged therapists to consider multiple options to help clients resolve any conflict they feel between their sexual orientation and their religious faith, ranging from celibacy to switching churches.

The APA had criticized reparative therapy in the past, but a six-member task force added new weight to this position by examining 83 studies on sexual orientation change conducted since 1960. The APA’s governing council endorsed its report in Toronto, where the 150,000-member association’s annual meeting was held over the weekend.

The report breaks new ground in its detailed and nuanced assessment of how therapists should deal with gay clients struggling to remain loyal to a religious faith that disapproves of homosexuality.

Judith Glassgold, a psychologist who chaired the task force, said she hoped the document could help calm the polarized debate between religious conservatives who believe in the possibility of changing sexual orientation and the many mental health professionals who reject that approach.

We agree with Glassgold, who said, “Both sides have to educate themselves better.” Religious psychotherapists have to open their eyes to the positive aspects of being gay or lesbian; secular therapists have to recognize that some people will choose their faith over their sexuality.

In dealing with gay clients from conservative faiths, says the report, therapists should be “very cautious” about suggesting treatments aimed at altering their same-sex attractions.

Practitioners can assist clients through therapies that do not attempt to change sexual orientation, but rather involve acceptance, support and identity exploration and development without imposing a specific identity outcome, the report says.

Imagine that – we have to challenge people to be creative.

Glassgold suggested that devout clients could focus on overarching aspects of religion such as hope and forgiveness to transcend negative beliefs about homosexuality and either remain part of their original faith within its limits – for example, by embracing celibacy – or find a faith that welcomes gays.

As for those who insist on “change therapy,” there’s no evidence to show it works, but vulnerable people are tempted to try, and when it fails, they feel doubly terrified. The researching psychologists said practitioners should be honest with people and say, “This is not likely to change your sexual orientation, but we can help explore what options you have.”

Might we suggest accepting themselves as a start?