New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will sign a bill on Monday that makes it illegal for state licensed therapists to try turning lesbian and gay minors straight.

Christie, who was born Catholic, wrote in a note coupled with the bill that he considers homosexuality natural, that people are born gay and being gay is not sinful, the Associated Press reported.

The Republican governor also said that trying to shift a child's sexuality could lead to detrimental psychological issues in the future. He cited a whole host of mental side effects that have afflicted some of the children who have gone through conversion therapy, including suicide and depression.

"Government should tread carefully into this area," he wrote, "and I do so here reluctantly. However, I also believe that on the issues of medical treatment for children, we must look to experts in the field to determine the relative risks and rewards. I believe that exposing children to these health risks without clear evidence of benefits that outweigh these serious risks is not appropriate.

The news was met with overwhelming support from LGBT rights activists, but some said there was more work to be done.

Executive Director of New Jersey's Garden State Equality Troy Stevenson released a statement lauding Christie's moves.

"It is our truest hope that the governor will realize, as the majority of the legislature and a super-majority of the public have realized, that the best way to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender youth are protected from the abuse of being ostracized is to provide them with equality," he said.

This kind of "cure" for being a homosexual usually attempts to change LGBT people "back" to straight through individual and group therapy. Prayer is also sometimes implemented.

According to the Associated Press, more intense measures have also been taken. Brielle Goldani of Toms River, NJ, said she was administered vomit-inducing drugs, as well as electric shocks at a camp in Ohio that sought out gay and lesbian teens to "turn" straight.

Earlier this year, a ministry called Exodus International that specialized in conversion therapy shut the doors to its U.S. centers-the president of the church, Alan Chambers, apologized for "undue suffering and judgment."

New Jersey will be the second state to implement such a ban, joining California.