Zach: Investigation of Gay Brainwashing Camp CONTINUES

The story about Zach, the 16-year-old gay blogger imprisoned in a Memphis brainwashing camp, for the crime of being gay, keeps on coming back. The investigation is on again. This is amazing. It looks like the state of Tennessee is serious about going after the ex-gay organization, "Love in Action."

Love in Action is in trouble for not being licensed, and the Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities may launch its own 'official' investigation based on the premise that the camp is "doing harm."

From Southern Voice:

Tennessee continues probe into ‘ex-gay’ facility
Experts say children should not be forced into counseling

" The state of Tennessee continues to probe Love in Action, the Memphis facility that has drawn protests since a 16-year-old known as “Zach” blogged that his parents were sending him there for treatment intended to change his sexual orientation.

The Tennessee Department of Health sent a letter to Love in Action notifying the group that it is suspected of operating illegally, according to Andrea Turner, communications director for the department.

Turner said that if the program is strictly faith-based it would not require licensing by the state, but that according to the group’s Web site, Love in Action has licensed counselors and provides services related to alcohol and drug addiction on site.

“If this is the case, they are required to be licensed as a drug and alcohol treatment facility in Tennessee,” Turner said.

If employees there are providing counseling on homosexuality, it is possible that they are operating outside their area of expertise, Turner added.

Legislation giving the health department authority to issue cease-and-desist orders to unlicensed alcohol and drug treatment facilities goes into effect on July 1.

Turner said the health department is considering whether the Love in Action facility is causing harm.

Rachel Lassiter, a spokesperson for Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, said that the Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities is also researching on Love in Action and is writing a letter of inquiry to the facility to determine whether an official investigation is warranted.

Lassiter said that only licensed professionals should provide mental health care in Tennessee and that the state has an interest in making sure that whatever services are offered are beneficial.

Last week, the Department of Child Services investigated allegations of child abuse at the facility and determined that the allegations were unfounded. "

See: Previous posts on Zach

As always, the Republic of T. is on this story.