Don’t you just hate it when gay people don’t pay their bills after posting clandestinely collected footage of your homosexuality “curing” therapy sessions?
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Marcus Bachmann is attempting to collect $150 from gay rights activist John Becker, who attended five therapy sessions at the suburban Minneapolis Bachmann & Associates on behalf of Truth Wins Out. Becker clandestinely recorded these sessions and released a video of his experience back in July.
Mr. Bachmann argues that the collection attempt has nothing to do with Becker’s sting operation. Becker signed a contract that stated he would pay for no-shows, and after the tapes were released, he neglected to show up for two remaining sessions.
“It’s not the amount of money,” Bachmann said. “For us it’s the principle.”
Bachmann personally called Truth Wins Out to demand payment because the therapist was “not comfortable returning Mr. Becker’s call disputing the bill.” In the message, Bachmann demands payment by Friday, and threatens to turn the bill over to a collection agency if the money isn’t received by that time.
Truth Wins Out has posted the phone message on their website.
The Bachmann clinic has been criticized by gay rights activists for years, who argue that they practice “reparative therapy” to “cure” homosexuality or “pray away the gay.” Bachmann denies that his clinic conducts this type of therapy.
“A client came in stating they had a concern about same-sex attraction. The client asked specifically for assistance with this. I don’t know a counseling agency that wouldn’t accept or talk about that person’s concerns,” Bachmann said.
He added that Becker “was an incredible actor, emotional and deep in his emotion. The therapist joined in on empathy and concern.”
