LGBT flag (Creative Commons)

California state lawmakers moved forward on measures Friday that would create the nation's first ban on gay "conversion" therapy for minors.

The ban is the first of its kind which would target psychotherapy methods used to turn gay people straight.

Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) said the therapy was based on "junk science" and that medical professionals do not support the methods.

"It's not just that people are wasting their time and money on these therapies that don't work," Lieu said. "These therapies are dangerous."

Other bills that California lawmakers are trying to pass include regulating medical marijuana, making college more affordable and restricting legislators from receiving gifts such as spa treatments or concert tickets.

Read more at The L.A. Times.