PROTECTING THE INNOCENT (May 8, 2012) -- For the second time in two weeks, a Senate policy committee approved a patient-protection plan by Sen. Ted W. Lieu that promises to help raise public awareness of bogus and unethical therapies by mental-health providers who promise to help change a person’s sexual orientation. “Some therapists are taking advantage of vulnerable people by pushing dangerous sexual orientation-change efforts,” Lieu said before the vote by the Senate Judiciary Committee. “These non-scientific efforts have led in some cases to patients later committing suicide, as well as severe mental and physical anguish.” For Lieu, D-Torrance, the issue has generated nationwide interest, in part because it preceded by a couple days President Obama's decision to support gay marriage. More on Senate Bill 1172 HERE. To read Lieu's Fact Sheet on SB 1172, click HERE:  To read a report on the nationally respected American Psychological Association on this issue, HERE: To read the Senate Judiciary Commitee's analysis, click HERE. To watch the committee's hearing and vote on Lieu's bill, click HERE:  To read newstories or to watch TV segments on this issue, visit Lieu's IN THE NEWS section of his Web site below.