Judge orders New Jersey gay conversion nonprofit to close

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey nonprofit that was sued for offering to turn gays to heterosexuals has been ordered to close.

A judge on Friday granted a permanent injunction against Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing, known as JONAH.

In June, a Hudson County jury awarded damages to several men who had sued JONAH, claiming it engaged in fraud and made claims it couldn't back up.

An attorney for the men Friday said the decision sends a message to providers of so-called gay conversion therapy that the practice is fraudulent.

An attorney who represented JONAH at the trial didn't immediately return a message seeking comment. The group had argued that it didn't make guarantees to clients and should be allowed to offer help to people struggling with their sexual orientation.

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The Gayly - 12/18/2015 @ 12:10 p.m.