GREENBELT, Md. (WJZ) -- A psychotherapist challenging Maryland's ban on gay conversion therapy for minors has filed an appeal seeking to reverse a judge's decision to throw out the case.

Plaintiff Christopher Doyle and his attorneys are asking the fourth circuit appeals court to review the case, which a federal judge dismissed earlier this month.

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Doyle had claimed the ban violates his First Amendment rights to free speech and religious freedom.

Opponents of conversion therapy, a process in which a provider attempts to change a client's sexual orientation, say the practice has been widely discredited.

Gov. Larry Hogan signed the ban into law in 2018.