The California lawmaker who wrote the first-in-the-nation ban on “reparative” therapy for children with same-sex attractions is seeking the congressional seat of retiring Democratic Rep. Henry Waxman.
State Sen. Ted Lieu announced Friday that he would seek the seat of Mr. Waxman — whom he described as “a living legend” — as his district overlaps with more than 80 percent of the 20-term Democrat’s 33rd congressional district.
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Mr. Lieu, a Taiwan-born immigrant, lawyer and U.S. military veteran, has been active on fiscal, transportation, consumer protection and environmental issues. He has also become known for sponsoring the nation’s first law prohibiting licensed mental-health professionals from giving sexual-orientation change therapy to children and teens. The therapy law is in court, but numerous states are considering similar restrictive measures.
More than 25 elected officials expressed early support for Mr. Lieu, including California Reps. Alan Lowenthal and Maxine Waters, both Democrats.
