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"Gay Conversion" Suit Hinges on Definition of One Word

A lawsuit challenging a state ban on therapies that aim to change the sexual orientation of minors could hinge on the meaning of a single word.

The word is “disorder.” An Illinois law, passed last year, says, anyone offering “conversion therapy services” can’t represent being gay as, “a mental disease, disorder, or illness.” Doing so could lead to fraud charges.

The question is: Does that mean “mental disorder”? Or just a disorder?

John Mauck is the lawyer for the pastors who are bringing the lawsuit. He says lots of pastors teach that a sin is a disorder. And…

MAUCK: That we’re all disordered, and we all need to come back into good order through repentance and following God.

One of the law’s sponsors, says the language is clear: It bans deceptive marketing for mental-health services been shown to cause harm.