Ban on gay conversion therapy turned away

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has turned away a challenge to New Jersey’s ban on so-called gay conversion therapy for patients under 18 years old.

The justices did not comment on their order Monday. It followed similar action last year that left California’s therapy ban in place.

Lower courts dismissed lawsuits challenging the ban, which New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed into law in 2013.

Supporters of the therapy tried to interest the court in the issue by presenting it as a restriction on the free speech rights of counselors and doctors.