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Marcus Bachmann In Dispute With Gay Rights Activist Over Unpaid Therapy Bill


First Posted: 11/16/11 05:52 PM ET Updated: 11/16/11 05:59 PM ET

Though Marcus Bachmann denies that his Christian counseling clinic practices so-called "pray away the gay" reparative therapy, one prominent LGBT activist feels otherwise -- and now, he says, he's got the voicemail messages to prove it.

John Becker, who videotaped a therapy session at Bachmann's clinic that allegedly promised to cure his homosexuality, has released a voicemail recording via his group, Truth Wins Out, said to be from Republican presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann's husband, demanding $150 for two sessions that Becker had scheduled, but then canceled.

Becker notes that Bachmann then threatens to turn the bill over to a collection agency if it is not paid. Listen to the recording here:

Voicemail from Marcus Bachmann by user6446359

"I find it odd that Bachmann handled this matter personally rather than through his billing department," Becker noted. "This is certainly an unorthodox way of doing business, much like the unethical 'ex-gay' therapy offered at his clinic.”

As the Wall Street Journal is reporting, Bachmann confirmed the account, and noted Becker was contractually obliged to pay for the two sessions he did not attend. "It's not the amount of money," he said. "For us, it's the principle."

Watch segments of the undercover video, along with an interview with Becker, below:


FOLLOW HUFFPOST GAY VOICES

Though Marcus Bachmann denies that his Christian counseling clinic practices so-called "pray away the gay" reparative therapy, one prominent LGBT activist feels otherwise -- and now, he says, he's got...
Though Marcus Bachmann denies that his Christian counseling clinic practices so-called "pray away the gay" reparative therapy, one prominent LGBT activist feels otherwise -- and now, he says, he's got...
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06:24 PM on 01/30/2012
Mr. Bachman, I'm a heterosexual man but after seeing the pride and self fulfillment that most gay men seem to have, I would very much like to be gay. I really don't feel "right" as a straight male. I can assume that since your group states that sexuality is a choice that this is something you can help me with. I look forward to hearing from you!
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Tracy Fortune
Geek, mother, lesbian, fair & compassionate ;^)
10:03 AM on 12/01/2011
Ok, slightly off-topic...but I don't think I've ever seen, heard, and observed a man who comes off as more queer than this guy Bachman...It's just so...gay!!! Wow!
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Queso Grande
No, YOU have the last word. I insist.
08:38 PM on 11/20/2011
This is why Michelle is against gay marriage: it's bad for business.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Queso Grande
No, YOU have the last word. I insist.
08:37 PM on 11/20/2011
It'd be worth it just to see if Marcus came on to him.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
rockysparks
there's no law against being annoying.
01:04 PM on 11/30/2011
I wouldn't wish that on a straight person, let alone a gay person. Not even one of my exes ...
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DJMarian
Rich is having money; Wealthy is having time
01:47 AM on 11/20/2011
He should pay it, they could have scheduled other desperate people in those slots to torture and lie to. Oh and also collect their fees.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Atwill
Proud Father of a gay son.
05:40 PM on 11/19/2011
you mean unpaided torure bill.
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CalSailor
lex orandi, lex credendi
01:33 PM on 11/19/2011
When they say "it's not about the money, it's about the principle...it's about the money!

Pr Chris
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Jerry Callaio
Pay No Attention To That Man Behind The Curtain!
10:52 PM on 11/18/2011
Preamble
In December of 1998, the Board of Trustees issued a position statement that the American Psychiatric Association opposes any psychiatric treatment, such as "reparative" or conversion therapy, which is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that a patient should change his/her sexual homosexual orientation (Appendix 1). In doing so, the APA joined many other professional organizations that either oppose or are critical of "reparative" therapies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, The American Counseling Association, and the National Association of Social Workers (1).
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Jerry Callaio
Pay No Attention To That Man Behind The Curtain!
10:49 PM on 11/18/2011
I cannot fathom that our government uses our tax dollars to help fund discredited organizations such as Bachmann's "Pray Away The Gay" clinics.......the entire premise has been rejected by both The American Psychological and Psychiatric Associations.

P.S....you think IF he was correct he'd be able to pray away his own gay....ROFL.....

http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/facts_changing.html

http://www.soulforce.org/article/643

In 1990, the American Psychological Association stated that scientific evidence does not show that conversion therapy works and that it can do more harm than good. Changing one's sexual orientation is not simply a matter of changing one's sexual behavior. It would require altering one's emotional, romantic and sexual feelings and restructuring one's self-concept and social identity. Although some mental health providers do attempt sexual orientation conversion, others question the ethics of trying to alter through therapy a trait that is not a disorder and that is extremely important to an individual's identity. Not all gays and lesbians who seek therapy want to change their sexual orientation. Gays and lesbians may seek counseling for any of the same reasons as anyone else. In addition, they may seed psychological help to 'come out' or to deal with prejudice, discrimination and violence.

http://www.psych.org/Departments/EDU/Library/APAOfficialDocumentsandRelated/PositionStatements/200001.aspx
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07:56 PM on 11/18/2011
Has he had bottom surgery yet?
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
AgainstAnimalAbuse
The end justifies the means
01:33 PM on 11/18/2011
If you call Bachmann's "treatment" therapy, you are insulting the very science of psychology and other science-based therapies that do not require "praying". How can this quack charge the government for his praying sessions when an ordained religious person will do it for free and possibly get better results?
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Hrover
01:21 PM on 11/18/2011
If you want to" pray away the gay" look at Marcus. He has been praying all his life.... Not working
Marcus.
tccat4
We all have a right to our opinion, like it or not
08:32 AM on 11/18/2011
I wonder if the Becker, signed anything saying "if he missed any meetings it would be a $75.00 each charge?" If he didn't Bachmann has no recourse. Here in MN, He is known for their pray away gay. He is about as air head as his wife. If he turns it in for collection, Id sue him and for a lot more than 2 sessions worth.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
MrClean
07:26 AM on 11/18/2011
This is CLASSIC Jon Stewart! One of his best about "Reparitive Comedy"

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-july-13-2011/comedy-repression-therapy
07:01 AM on 11/18/2011
Porkchops Bachmann, what a pro.