Homosexual Re-Orientation Advocate Reinstated on Magellan's Advisory Panel

by Jim Brown and Jenni Parker
April 22, 2005

(AgapePress) - In a dramatic about-face, the nation's largest mental health management company has reinstated a nationally known counselor and psychology professor after firing him because of his conservative views on homosexuality.

In February, Dr. Warren Throckmorton, Ph.D., was dismissed from his advisory position with Magellan Health Services, the largest mental health management company in the United States. His dismissal came about due to his views concerning sexual orientation and change -- specifically, his belief that homosexuals have the ability to leave that lifestyle and the right to seek help in doing so. (See earlier story)

Some newspaper accounts have also linked the professor's firing from the advisory panel with I Do Exist, a film that concerns former homosexuals, and which Throckmorton produced. In some published reports, observers within and outside the company suggested that the Grove City College professor's dismissal related to the film.

However, two months after being dismissed, Throckmorton is being welcomed back to his former position. On Wednesday night (April 20), he received a call from Magellan's chief medical officer Alex Rodriguez, inviting him to rejoin the company's National Professional Advisory Council.

Throckmorton believes the move to reinstate him may have been triggered by the hundreds of phone calls and e-mail messages Magellan received from conservative activists, employer groups, former homosexuals, and other supporters. The upshot of all that has happened, the psychologist says, "is that a very positive statement has come out of this from the company -- that a person has a right to explore a variety of therapies when they're grappling with sexual orientation issues."

According to the nationally prominent psychology expert and counselor, this reversal lends even more credence to his contention that homosexuals can change their lifestyle, and that they and others can bring their sexual behavior in line with their moral or religious beliefs. He believes this change of heart sends a message to those the mental health organization exists to serve -- particularly those who struggle with unwanted sexual feelings.

"I do think that it's a great support for people who have changed," Throckmorton says, "and for people who have often been told that they don't exist. Here's a company saying that people in that position have a right to choose that kind of approach if that's what they desire." The professor is pleased with Magellan's decision to invite him back on its advisory panel and notes, "This is a good move to get the focus back on providing quality mental health management."

Magellan has stated that it wants to remain neutral on the debate over homosexuality. Yesterday's Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper quoted company spokeswoman Erin Somers as saying Magellan and Throckmorton are in agreement in believing that every patient has "a right to explore a variety of therapies when he or she is grappling with sexual orientation issues."

The group known as Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, or PFOX, applauded the mental health management company's decision to bring Throckmorton back on board. PFOX executive director Regina Griggs notes, "This move by Magellan is a tribute to a corporation that listens to its subscribers and constituents."

Griggs says her group is especially pleased to see Magellan agreeing with the principle that people have the right to pursue heterosexual-affirming therapy if they choose that option.