Law Banning "Gay Cure" Is Upheld in California LOS ANGELES - A federal appeals court on Thursday upheld California's ban on therapies that aim to change the sexual orientations of gay and lesbian minors. In a unanimous decision, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the ban on "conversion therapy," the first such law in the country, did not violate the free speech rights of counselors or people seeking treatment. The state has an interest in banning professional treatments that it deems harmful, the court ruled. "The First Amendment does not prevent a state from regulating treatment even when that treatment is performed through speech alone," the opinion said. The ruling was another setback for proponents of gay conversion therapy. In June, Exodus International, the leading organization of the "ex gay" movement, announced that it would disband amid growing skepticism among its officials that sexual attractions can be changed. Last week, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, widely viewed as a Republican presidential hopeful, signed a ban on gay conversion therapy, making his state the second to ban the practice. Bans have been introduced in Massachusetts and New York. Supporters and opponents of California's law agreed that the court's ruling could embolden more states to ban the therapy. Wayne Besen, the executive director of Truth Wins Out, an organization that combats what it considers misinformation about gays and lesbians, said, "This is a massive victory, and it sets the stage to pass similar laws in states across the country." Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute, which challenged the California law, said his organization was considering its legal options. He said, "We are very concerned that this new law is going to be spreading like wildfire across the U.S." "This is clearly a dark day for those who appreciate the First Amendment's protection of free speech and free exercise of religion," Mr. Dacus added. And it's an even darker day for every young person under the age of 18 who is struggling with same-sex attraction and wants a licensed counselor who can help them mitigate or reduce such attractions. Since the 1970s, a network of conservative and religious groups have continued to argue that sexuality is not innate and change is possible. But scientific and medical groups have increasingly argued that there is no evidence that sexual attractions can be changed, and that conversion therapies are often harmful.