FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Wayne Besen, Founding Executive Director
E-mail: wbesen@truthwinsout.org
TWO’s Investigation Contradicts Bachmann’s Denials That His Clinic Practices ‘Ex-Gay’ Therapy
MINNEAPOLIS – An investigation by Truth Wins Out revealed today that the clinic of Marcus Bachmann, the husband of presidential candidate Michele Bachmann (R-MN), practices reparative therapy, a controversial and discredited clinical method designed to “cure” gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. TWO’s findings contradict claims by Mr. Bachmann that he and his clinic, Bachmann & Associates, do not participate in reparative therapy. The story broke today in The Nation magazine where Mariah Blake reported on the results of our investigation.
“The results of our investigation should end all doubt whether Marcus Bachmann’s clinic endorses and practices reparative therapy aimed at changing a gay person’s sexual orientation,” said Truth Wins Out’s Executive Director Wayne Besen. “The facts plainly show that Bachmann’s clinic does try to cure gay people and he is being evasive when he claims otherwise.”
“It’s time for Michele and Marcus Bachmann to stop denying, dodging, and stonewalling,” added Truth Wins Out’s Communications and Development Director John Becker. “They owe it to all Americans to provide a full and honest explanation for their embrace of these dangerous and fraudulent practices.”
During a weeklong Truth Wins Out undercover investigation inside Bachmann & Associates with hidden cameras, Becker attended five private sessions with Bachmann & Associates counselor Timothy Wiertzema.
The undeniable goal of the sessions was transforming Becker from homosexual to heterosexual. To his credit, the counselor did not claim that change would be instantaneous or even complete. However, he did explicitly promise that sexual conversion could occur as a result of prayer and therapy at the clinic.
During one of the sessions Wiertzema said, “…It’s possible to be totally free of [same-sex attraction]. For sure.” And that, “It’s happened! It really has happened to people.” In the fifth session, Wiertzema said, “…Obviously your goal is not to have any feelings of attraction for men…And I really am going to recommend that we start working on how you can develop your attraction towards women.”
At no time during the therapy was homosexuality portrayed as a natural variation of human sexuality. Instead it was presented as a treatable condition at odds with a normal and healthy sexual orientation. Becker was told by Wiertzema that “God designed our eyes to be attracted to the woman’s body, to be attracted to everything, to be attracted to her breasts.” Furthermore, according to Timothy, “We’re all heterosexuals, but we have different challenges.” Attraction to the same sex “is there, and it’s real, but at the core value, in terms of how God created us, we’re all heterosexual.”
Becker was never given nor asked to sign any kind of informed consent document that disclosed the dangers of or alternatives to “ex-gay” therapy. As such, TWO believes Bachmann & Associates to be practicing unethically, even by the standards of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Such therapy is considered ineffective and potentially harmful by The American Psychological Association, The American Medical Association, The American Academy of Pediatrics, and The American Psychiatric Association.
“What I found was particularly disconcerting given the fact that Marcus Bachmann’s clinic has received significant funding from the State of Minnesota and the federal government,” said Becker.
For sale inside the clinic was Minnesota “ex-gay” minister Janet Boynes’ book Called Out. It was accompanied by a typewritten note featuring Mr. Bachmann’s endorsement: “Janet is a friend. I recommend this book as she speaks to the heart of the matter and gives practical insights of truth to set people free. – Marcus Bachmann, PhD.”
“It appears that the Bachmann family is trying to distance themselves from some of their more extreme beliefs in an attempt to appeal to mainstream Americans,” said TWO’s Besen. “We think it is important that voters have accurate information and we hope our investigation sheds some light on their genuine views.”
Truth Wins Out is a non-profit organization that fights anti-LGBT religious extremism. TWO specializes in turning information into action by organizing, advocating and fighting for LGBT equality.
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This is what I’m talking about…it’s much more important and useful to expose Marcus Bachmann’s repugnant and harmful “therapy practices”.
Is there any way to read Mariah Blake’s article without a subscription to The Nation? I trust the summary here, would just like to read her report.
too bad Bachmann couldn’t make *himself* a success case.
Superb work! I believe this is only the tip of the iceberg. Bachmann and even Exodus are now spinning this weird double-talk that they love gays and would never try to get them to change. THAT IS A 100% LIE!. There is not a single gay person under Marcus Bachmann’s care (or his associates) whom they are telling “Yes, how can we help you create a more loving and dynamic relationship with your gay partner” etc. Is Marcus Bachmann counseling gay married couples to strengthen their relationship? Is he counseling gay youth or gay college students on how to rise above discrimination and be proud of who they are? Give me a break!! He is doing NONE of this and is totally lying to the media.
BTW, many in the media keep referring to Marcus as “Dr. Bachmann”, but didn’t he obtain his PhD from an unaccredited online ‘college’?
Too bad he hasn’t found a cure for STUPID!
His doctoral degree is from a regionally accredited university, so his degree is legit. However, the doctoral program is not, and never has been, accredited by the American Psychological Association, which is considered the “gold standard” for doctoral programs in psychology. Nonetheless, he is, legitimatly, entitled to the title of doctor. Without the program being endorsed by the APA, it is harder to get licensed as a psychologist. Which may be one reason why he (apparently) lacks a license. His university has applied for the APA accreditation. I wonder how they feel about their graduate now and if this scandal will impact thier application?
Excellent work, Wayne. A good follow up would be to contact the university he earned his doctoral degree from and ask if they endorse the work of their alumni Mr Bachmann, do they condone it or condemn it? As they are applying to be accredited by the APA, they have a reason to denounce him, as the APA frowns upon this discredited therapy. You could also contact the APA for comment on his lack of informed consent and if he is a member, as they could consider reviewing his membership if he is, as well as condemning him for practicing a harmful practice without an informed consent. Just an idea. Again, excellent work.
When I was young and seriously conflicted about my “homosexual tendencies” (and praying constantly to be freed from them), I remember episodes of walking the streets in Chicago, singing the then-popular song, “I’m a girl-watcher.” Trying to convince myself that I was not gay, and that I found women’s bodies attractive.
Such wishful thinking. These walks often ended up with me in the “all-male” theater.
So much for the therapist comment, “God designed our eyes to be attracted to the woman’s body, to be attracted to everything, to be attracted to her breasts.” Been there. Done that. Doesn’t work.
Wayne,
So was this timing planned? Did you give any thought to waiting until after the Republican candidate was chosen? If it was Bachmann, this story would have really helped the Democrat nominee. Although that would be playing Russian roulette, I suppose, to let Bachmann get that far in the process.
John and Wayne,
I’m curious to know if Tim Wiertzemer was gay or straight. And are most of these “ex-gay therapists” gay or straight? If they are straight, isn’t that a bit like a dentist trying to do open heart surgery, something he knows nothing about?
…and if they are gay saying they are now straight, would that not be like a dentist saying he’s a medical doctor, trying to be something he isn’t?
Good job, Wayne!
Great Story! What a scoop! Not only busting them on this dangerous and counterproductive ‘therapy,’ but also the story about how much Gov’t $$ the ‘clinic’ has accepted. Numbers please!
[...] So says The Nation and Truth Wins Out. [...]
Last night Bill Maher played the clip of Bachmann calling us barbarians who needed to be disciplined and even Maher picked up on his nelliness. Apparently Cher had tweeted that he seemed like a gay closet case and Maher said, ‘if there’s anyone whose gaydar I trust….’ audience laughs. Chaz Bono was on last night and unfortunately we also had to see that lying sack of s**t harridan ann coulter who said that those of us who work for the government or civil service are just drains on the system who get paid for doing nothing. I can’t believe Maher is friends with that b***h!
I am hoping the TWO will take this to the MN Board of Psychology http://www.psychologyboard.state.mn.us/shutdown/
However, due to the government shutdown… the board is shutdown!
Great job. Well done. Not that it’s in any way surprising but good for you to get it on the record.
Oh what a web they weave when they continue to deceive. Like I’ve said here or there or everywhere “if it quacks like a duck it probably is a quack.”
[...] American Association of Christian Counselors. Links to all the stories are available at The Nation, Truth Wins Out, and Pam’s House Blend. A great summary of all the news is found [...]
[...] and practices reparative therapy aimed at changing a gay person’s sexual orientation,” said Wayne Besen executive director of Truth Wins Out. “The facts plainly show that Bachmann’s clinic does try to cure gay people and he is being [...]
Great work, keep it up! This is the story that needs to be told!
Thank you, thank you, TWO.
This type of activism is so desperately needed, yet no one else is doing it.
We also desperately need for anyone who has had gay sex with an ex-gay therapist who claims to have become heterosexual to come out about it and expose their duplicity, as was done for George “Lift my luggage” Rekkers.
[...] Truth Wins Out – Truth Wins Out Undercover Operation Finds That Marcus Bachmann [...]
Even many in the gay media are reflexively denouncing any comments about Marcus saying “How hypocritical to make fun of a swishy man.” This is a total straw man argument. I haven’t seen a single person make fun of his swishiness, as if they were watching a pride parade and making fun of a drag queen. No, we are all making fun of the fact that he is a total hypocrite and denouncing gay men while having major gay mannerisms. It’s the cognitive dissonance that is so mind-blowing, not the swishiness by itself.
Exactly, Lee. It would be exactly the same if he were denouncing masculine men while trying to make them effeminate, while swaggering like John Wayne. We would be making fun of his masculine traits then. The incongruous nature of his preaching and prancing are rightfully raising eyebrows.
Those in the gay media/community that see this as making fun effeminate gay men are just dumb as rocks. They have no understanding of context, nor irony.
Wayne, thank you for exposing this. The issue of “curing gay people” is one that hits home in a deeply painful and personal way to me. A couple of years ago, at a very vulnerable moment in my life (my parents had both passed away within months of each other), I sought solace in the Catholic Church (where I was raised) and, ultimately, began attending meetings of “Courage,” their official “Pray the Gay Away” ministry. It was the most shaming and damaging experience I have have ever endured. The more I tried to embrace it and “give it a chance,” the deeper I fell into an abyss of depression, despair and self- destructive behaviors. Had I continued, suicide would surely have been on the horizon. It was a long and hard road back to sanity. Conversely, the most healing and self-affirming moment of my life was proudly marching in this year’s NYC Pride parade with New Yorkers United for Marriage. In a few short weeks, I will also be celebrating my 1-year anniversary in a recovery program that has saved my life. I share this intensely personal story because I cannot be silent after having learned first hand that “Ex-Gay” and “reparative” therapies do not CURE. They KILL. I’m just thankful I got “out” in time (pun intended!). Again, thank you for your good work.
Hi,
It seems that on Bachmann & Associates, it is claimed that it is a “PhD”. But the school does not seem to be giving out PhDs in Clinical Psych. It gives out Psy.D.
(It is not clear to me whether it ever gave out PhDs in Clinical Psychology.)
Is this unethical practice going to be reported to the state licensing board? It certainly should be and the documented evidence of standards violations is compelling.
In Bachmann’s case, doesn’t PhD = PhonyDoctor?
[...] undercover Truth Wins Out investigation claims that the counseling clinic headed by Marcus Bachmann, husband of U.S. Senator and [...]
[...] that he was lying, it disappeared on Friday, when The Nation broke news of an investigation by Truth Wins Out, a group devoted to combating the ex-gay movement. “Undeniably, 100 percent, the Bachmann clinic [...]
I wonder what Bachmann & Associates counselor Timothy Wiertzema means when he says “We’re all heterosexuals, but we have different challenges.” Does that mean that he is fighting his own “challenges?” Is he asserting that we are all heterosexuals fighting our own dark (gay) side regarding our own heterosexuality?
[...] now those clever people at Truth Wins Out have evidence to the contrary. Undercover gays, you gotta love it people, it rocks. John Becker took his [...]
It will never cease to amaze me to what lengths the gays will go in their exaggerated effort to discredit someone who thinks differently than they.
Someone needs to save your soul because apparently you live only for here and now with total disregard for eternity. What part of [Man Shall not lie with Man as he does with Woman] dont you get? Dr. Bachman is right. LOOK AT YOUR BODIES PEOPLE!!!! Just because you are attracted to the same sex does not mean you have to ACT on it any more than a married man attracted to another woman..he does not need to act on it either. There was NOTHING in the (as usual deceitfull) undercover operation of TWO that indicates ANY wrong doing by Dr. Bachman. Just prayer. But that is your Devil is it not? God and Prayer contradicts everything the gays are about. The gay lifestyle may be SOCIALLY acceptable but it is a total slap in the Face of GOD; and you know it..yet you still search out ways to justify your actions. The power of prayer is amazing…why are you so afraid of it? After reading this article I was amazed but not surprised at the media exaggeration over this piece. Try to discredit someone because he thinks differently than you? How much more discriminitory can you get??
Becky, what part of, “I don’t believe the stuff about God you’re spewing because it’s all b******t and the Bible, like every so-called ‘Holy Book’ was written by humans, and the burden of proof that I’m wrong rests on YOU” don’t you get?
The only thing that “discredits” the Bachmann’s ate their backwards and dangerous views — apparently shared by you. What you preach is ignorant, cult-like and bad for America.
Bill, of course you do not believe in God or the Bible…it does not fit with your lifestyle. I rest my case!
Only thing is…THIS Book, that was written by HUMANS tons of years ago, has not changed. The messages have not wavered. The message is as clear today as it was hundreds and hundreds of years ago.
But go ahead and keep picking and choosing which parts of morality work for you! That is what it is all about is it not! YOU and [IF IT FEELS GOOD...DO IT..Because I am worth it] justification!
Wayne, what exactly is did I say that is ignorant and cult-like?
You guys are the epitomy of cult-like! You are discriminitory, and you failingly attempt to discredit anyone who does not support your lifestyle through character assassination, playground name-calling, and ransom. (If you do not pass this law we will not vote for you OR we will band together and not buy your product)!
Got news for you…we WILL prevail.
BTW…,my kids best friend is gay, my uncle is gay, my cousin married 24 years decided she is gay…
So much for the ignorance statement.
But like I have been taught;
LOVE the sinner,
HATE the sin!
becky? You’re all wet! Really. First off I am xtian but I am not a fundamentalist/evangelical & I am gay & I have no trouble with that fact. Actually, when I get up in the morning I thank Christ that I am a gay man. BTW, I have a ‘life’ not a ‘lifestyle’, same as everyone else on this site. Now, you don’t actually mean to say that the bible has never changed, do you? It’s not in Aramaic and Greek. Just by being translated into English ‘changed’ it. And take the word ‘homosexual’ That word didn’t even exist until it was invented in Germany in the 19th century and the it was pasted into your bible. You have swallowed the anti-gay right wing propaganda & you really need to step back & THINK for yourself!
Becky’s comments gave me an idea for a new daily feature here at Truth Wins Out: Ignoramus of the Day, or something like that. TWO would select and prominently post the day’s “best” example of ignorance, superstitious beliefs, delusional thinking, trite Bible-quotes, science-denial, detachment from reality, and compulsive authoritarian bigoted assholiness.
Great idea Richard! Then yesterday’s Ignoramus could be that guy Tim who quoted bible verses & then said that everything he’d said on this site was “a lie”. I dunno if that included the bible verses too. Becky is obviously a good choice for today. Ah, but the day is still young…
Becky said, “THIS Book [Bible], that was written by HUMANS tons of years ago, has not changed. The messages have not wavered. The message is as clear today as it was hundreds and hundreds of years ago.
That’s exactly the weakness and problem. The Bible was written by ancient people who, understandably, were trying to make some sense of a world about which they knew little to nothing. And many were clever enough to know that they could use it to amass power over people. But it’s 2011 now, and while we have much more to learn, we already have a vast accumulation of empirical scientific evidence. The fact that science changes to reflect new discoveries is it’s major strength. And that evidence relentlessly continues to expose your unchanging Bible as no more or less relevant to the modern world than Greek mythology. It’s an interesting historic artifact, but that’s about it.
Becky, you need to grow up. I don’t really care if you want to live your own life by staring in a rear-view mirror. But stop insisting that everyone else must do the same. You just look embarrassingly silly to people who’ve received some education instead of indoctrination.
…oh Becky, Becky, Becky…once again people such as yourself “pick and choose” what they want to adhere to in the…Leviticus, for example is very clear about not only “homosexuality”, but the eating of shellfish and touching swine and even wearing clothing made of two different materials. Working on the Sabbath? Goin’ to hell, folks..and on and on.I am serious here…please address these other sins cited in the book and explain why it is NOT relevant in today’s world. I have yet to have any “relious scholar” EVER clear that one. I attended a church school as a young man and ask this very question and the only answer was that “God has mysteries we can’t, in this life, understand”..So I was confused but brave when I sat down to a lobster and pork dinner wearing a linen jacket and cotton pants then went off to my job on Sunday..You may hate the “sin and love the sinner” ( a phrase that is lame by sheer definition)…I hate the stone that people throw at you as a believer, but love you anyway…make any sense? …don;t think so, sweetie
I believe TWO is digging as deep as they can to find some kind of smoking gun. The informaton in this article is useless. The only thing controversial about reparative therapy is that psychologists don’t want anyone getting in on the money they get from THEIR “services”. If it were to be true that being “gay” could be “cured”, can you imagine how many psychologists would lose clients. The only possible glitch in all of this, is the gov. money being used in these “treatments”. I wouldn’t want gov. money going towards “diversity” “training” either!
@Becky: “Stop using MY name to justify YOUR hate.” -God
Boy, are you going to have a lot to account for when YOU meet YOUR maker. And, by the way, you seem to protesteth a little too much. Careful, people might find out that you’re a closet dyke. Take the log out of your own eye, you stupid b***h.
Dino you are definitely a real dinosaur–and about as stupid as Bam Bam.
Dino,
Are you really that stupid? If it was about the money as you claim than psychologists would be embracing “reparative therapy” and trying to convince the public that it was good. Imagine the money they would rake in. They don’t because they believe in science and medicine and know that there is nothing wrong with someone being gay. That’s what happens when you believe in science and not what a book of stories tells you.
Becky said “Just because you are attracted to the same sex does not mean you have to ACT on it any more than a married man attracted to another woman..he does not need to act on it either.”.
See Becky, there’s the flaw in your logic. You’ll allow the heterosexual someone to love, a romantic companion, a soul mate, but you won’t allow a gay person the same thing. For you the heterosexual can have someone but the gay can have no one. What a hateful spiteful, oppressive person you are Becky.
Becky said “There was NOTHING in the (as usual deceitfull) undercover operation of TWO that indicates ANY wrong doing by Dr. Bachman. Just prayer. But that is your Devil is it not?”.
Wrong againg. Trying to coerce people into denying who they are, denying themselves love and companionship in favour of a lonely life or a living a lie married to the opposite sex is evil. That is your Devil Becky.
Becky said “God and Prayer contradicts everything the gays are about. The gay lifestyle may be SOCIALLY acceptable but it is a total slap in the Face of GOD”.
Your god is imaginary, but you’re right about one thing – your god and prayer contradicts everything gays are about. Gays are about equality, justice, and not harming anyone who isn’t harming you. Your god and your prayer are about eternally torturing innocent people, about harming those who harm no one, your god and your prayer is evil.
Just want to point out–I’ve been posting off and on for awhile–this becky is not me.