The American Psychological Association has come out with new recommendations for therapists with gay patients whose lifestyle aren't accepted by their church.

From KSTP...

The American Psychological Association declared Wednesday that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments.

Instead, the APA urged therapists to consider multiple options - that could range from celibacy to switching churches - for helping clients whose sexual orientation and religious faith conflict.

Celibacy? That's their advice? Isn't advising the gay community to practice celibacy the same as telling them to get back into the closet? Attempting to suppress instinct - especially sexual instinct - always fails. Proof of that can be found in the footprints of the nearly 7 billion people who walk the earth. Advising celibacy seems incredibly archaic.

The APA does deserve credit for finally realizing that gay people can't be "cured". They should also be praised for recommending therapists tell their conflicted clients to "switch" churches. How about the other option? How about leaving their religion altogether? I know this is hard for a lot of people, but it could be the healthiest solution.

And much better than "celibacy".

People will put themselves through agony to be accepted by a group. The social need to belong is so strong that individuals will suffer through considerable rejection until they realize they aren't wanted. Shouldn't therapists be advising people remove themselves from these situations altogether? That means leaving your faith behind until those that practice your faith are able accept you as you accept them.

I'd be interested in hearing how the LGBT community feels about these APA recommendations. I think they're stepping in the right direction, but not quite there.