Judge upholds ban on gay conversion therapy

A federal judge has upheld a New Jersey law barring therapists from trying to turn gay youth straight.

In a ruling issued Friday, Judge Freda L. Wolfson said the law does not violate free speech or religious protection.

Republican Gov. Chris Christie signed a ban on gay conversion therapy in August.

California is the first and only other state to ban the practice. A federal judge upheld California's law in August.

On Monday, a couple filed a separate lawsuit saying the New Jersey law violates their rights to religion, free speech and right to equal protection under the law.