In today’s Minneapolis Star Tribune, Marcus Bachmann finally commented on TWO’s undercover investigation that revealed his clinic practices dangerous “reparative therapy.” Rather than taking responsibility for his archaic views, though, Bachmann attempted to place the blame squarely on my shoulders. According to the article, “Marcus Bachmann said counselors at his clinics follow the wishes of patients and don’t force any treatment. ‘This individual came to us under a false pretense,’ Bachmann said. ‘The truth of the matter is he specifically asked for help.”
Marcus Bachmann wants Americans to believe that giving me reparative therapy was acceptable because I specifically asked for it. This is patently absurd. Responsible counselors refuse to provide ex-gay “therapy” because it is scientifically baseless and morally bankrupt. Bachmann & Associates, though, was more than happy to hold out false promises of change with one hand and collect the cash with the other.
Further, Bachmann’s insinuation that his clinic is somehow neutral on the topic of homosexuality is utterly ridiculous. At no time during the course of my therapy sessions was I ever told about the millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans who live happy, rich, fulfilling lives. Instead of a naturally-occurring variation of human sexuality, homosexuality was presented as a lamentable and correctable “condition.” TWO’s investigation proves Marcus Bachmann has an anti-gay agenda. It’s time for him to stop playing fast and loose with the facts and provide a full explanation for his dangerous views.
“Marcus Bachmann wants Americans to believe that giving me reparative therapy was acceptable because I specifically asked for it.”
Okay, I have to assume they would agree to help patients rid themselves of unwanted heterosexuality if they specifically asked for it. So instead of “pray away the gay” it would be “pray for the gay.” And it’s thoroughly understandable – we have much more fabulous lifestyles.
John,
How do you think the therapist you spoke to would have responded if you had gone in and said the following? “I’m gay. I’ve always been conflicted over it and thought it was wrong. Lately, I’ve been feeling like I need to accept it.”
[...] John Becker responds: Marcus Bachmann wants Americans to believe that giving me reparative therapy was acceptable [...]
Jack, that’s an interesting thought. If someone went in there with neutral conflicted feelings, would they steer them one way or the other? It’s probably too late to find out now that this story has received embarrassing national publicity. But it would be nice if more former “patients” came forward (I already know of one).
John,
Mr. Bachmann will probably never freely admit to anything. That’s the modus operandi of many now. Denial is king.
You’re one gutsy Dude! Thank you for what you have done. Wishing all the best to you and your family.
This is gonna come across as odd, but I was speaking with a friend just a couple days ago, and what he said to me about this whole situation made sense:
“Ya know, this is nothing more than about money…gays are Bachmann’s cash cow…if you all weren’t around for him to beat on mentally, he’d have nothing with which to make his money/living…”
Sad as that sounds, it’s a side effect of our capitalistic system, it seems, that has gotten us into this mess…if we weren’t so interested in making beaucoup dollars and actually worried about people’s best interests, these sorta stories and incidences would be less prevalent…?
O_o
Anti-gay activist Bachmann wants $$$. And if promoting fraud to a client who asks for it gets him $$$, who is he to say no?
This issue is no longer even about the ex-gay stuff, it’s about why Marcus Bachmann and Michele are blatantly lying right in the face of God. This is one of the most severe sins a Christian can commit. Also, if Marcus claims to not be anti-gay, would he assist a patient troubled with the straight ‘lifestyle’ to become gay?
John,
KUDOs to you all for having much courage! The Bachmanns are an absolutely frightening couple, and the fact that they could actually occupy the White House, leaves me speechless…When will these freaks and their followers wake up! HEY..Bachmann..I WAS BORN THIS WAY! Pray away the gay? Hell NO.. Pray away the Bachmanns!
I’m really concerned about our tax dollars hes collecting for this phony treatment. This therapy has been deemed unethical by the American Psychological and Psychiatric Associations. He has a right to run any sort “snake oil ” sham he wants but not on the dime of the US taxpayer. This REALLY needs to be investigated.
I don’t recall feeling guilty my first time.
I’ve never smoked in my life. My mother scared me out of that early when I tagged along for one of my smoking grandmother’s doctors visits and got to see what a smoker’s lung looks like.
Wayne and John -
Why not post all of the videotaped sessions unedited?
There doesn’t need to be a prolonged back-and-forth with Bachmann over what the clinicians said or didn’t say, and whether they steered John in a particular direction. Just post the videotapes in their entirety and let them tell the story.
John, the sections we’ve seen tell the whole story. Bachmann denied offering gay to straight therapy, the section showed the “therapist” telling John how to be straight and him telling John he could be completely free of same sex attractions because he’d see it happen.
Cheif, I felt guilty and ashamed the first time I had opposite sex sex – just like you did. I didn’t feel any guilt or shame the first time I had same sex sex.
So, Cheif, it justifies giving money to quacks because there’s been more money spent on something else? Really? That’s your argument?
Just ignore Chief Cabioch’s irrelevant idiocy. He probably likes to think he’s Native American (hence the “Chief” in his name), that’s why his brain is so damaged by all that peyote.
Ezam, …one thing in life is a constant you can Always count on, ….Liberals will always make a personal attack if they run out of material…….
Daniel, why do you care if someone who is Gay, feels they might be able to change ?, whats it to you ?, why is it your business ?…..and you are going to tell me people dont spend money on frivolous things ?, it’s their money, THEY are supposed to be adults….why cant you let THEM decide whats best for them……Oh, thats because you’re on the the Elite, who is smarter than all the rest of us……in your own little world.
[...] before the Bachmann clinic scandal went viral. Inspired by that conversation, I ran a search on my old buddy Marcus, and much to my surprise, I found out that as recently as last month he was [...]