Some psychologists insist conversion therapy is dangerous to patients, and say it simply does not work.

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The bill was backed by mental health groups, and gay rights activists say reparative or "conversion therapy" can increase risk of depression or suicide.

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Conversion therapy has been being hotly debated across the country.

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"To date, there has been no scientifically adequate research to show that therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation (sometimes called reparative or conversion therapy) is safe or effective, " the American Psychological Association writes on its website.

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Baker, the head of the Orgone Institute Diagnostic Clinic (and, later, the founder of the American College of Orgonomy), was a lifelong conservative who started insisting that his left-leaning patients undergo a political conversion as part of their therapy.

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