State: no evidence of abuse at 'ex-gay' camp

[OneBlueSky]

http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?2005/06/28/2

Tennessee's investigation into a Christian reparative therapy camp found no evidence of child abuse, despite the assertion by mainstream psychiatric and psychological associations that the process is emotionally harmful and can lead to self-destructive behavior.

Last week, Tennessee's Department of Children's Services investigated reports of child abuse at the Refuge program run by Love In Action International, an organization that believes homosexuals can be turned into heterosexuals through various types of therapy. Refuge "treats" people between 15 and 18 years old.

The camp made headlines after "Zach," a blogger who identified himself as a 16-year-old from Bartlett, Tenn., said his parents had sent him to a camp to change his sexuality. "I'm a big screwup to them, who isn't on the path God wants me to be on. So I'm sitting here in tears ... and I can't help it," read the blog.

The Department of Children's Services could not say whether it found "Zach," or even if he really exists.

- more . . .

http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?2005/06/28/2