Controversial practice of conversion therapy for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ may see a resurgence, despite widespread rejection of its efficacy
The ongoing debate over conversion therapy for minors continues to unfold in the United States, with recent developments highlighting the contested status of bans in various states.
As of August 2025, 27 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and over 100 municipalities, have prohibited conversion therapy for minors. However, significant gaps and legal challenges persist. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case challenging Colorado's 2019 ban on conversion therapy for minors on freedom of speech grounds, with oral arguments scheduled for fall 2025. This case could lead to a major ruling that might either reinforce or overturn existing conversion therapy bans nationwide.
In recent months, the legal landscape of conversion therapy bans has been in flux. In March, a Virginia court partially struck down the state's 2020 law banning conversion therapy for minors, while Wisconsin's state Supreme Court cleared the way for the state to permanently ban the practice.
The controversy surrounding conversion therapy, a practice aimed at changing the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ+ people, has led to heated debates. This practice can include talk therapy, religious counseling, electrical shocks, pain-inducing aversion therapy, and physical isolation. Critics argue that it is ineffective and harmful, putting LGBTQ+ people at risk for depression, substance use, suicide, and other mental health issues.
In Kentucky, the Republican-controlled legislature passed a bill in March that overrode the governor's veto, potentially allowing conversion therapy for minors. Conservative legal firms have filed lawsuits in states such as Colorado, Michigan, and Virginia on behalf of Christian counselors who argue that the conversion therapy bans prevent them from practicing according to their faith-based values.
The American Medical Association has written model legislation for state lawmakers who want to ban conversion therapy. As of this year, 23 states and Washington, D.C., prevent licensed health care providers from subjecting minors to conversion therapy. The kind of talk therapy now allowed can involve conversation, prayer, and sharing of written materials such as religious scriptures.
In Wisconsin, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' administration has been trying since 2020 to enact a statewide conversion therapy ban proposed by the state agency that oversees provider licensing, but the ban has been blocked twice by a Republican-controlled legislative committee. The Wisconsin Supreme Court sided with Evers last month, ruling that the legislative committee was overreaching and couldn't block the rule.
The Supreme Court case in Colorado could have far-reaching implications. If the court rules in favour of the freedom of speech argument, it could potentially overturn conversion therapy bans across the country. On the other hand, a ruling upholding the bans could reinforce them.
Public opinion generally supports banning conversion therapy for minors, but political and legal battles continue at state and local levels. For instance, Michigan state Rep. Josh Schriver filed a package of bills aimed at repealing what he calls "anti-Christ laws," including Michigan's 2023 ban on conversion therapy for youth. At least five states have a law or policy prohibiting or deterring local-level ordinances that aim to protect youth from conversion therapy.
As the Supreme Court case approaches, the future of conversion therapy bans remains uncertain. The outcome could significantly reshape the legal landscape regarding this controversial practice.
For more information on health care, contact Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers at [email protected]. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. For questions, contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger at [email protected].
References: 1. National Center for Lesbian Rights 2. Movement Advancement Project 3. American Civil Liberties Union 4. American Psychological Association 5. Human Rights Campaign 6. Kentucky Equality Federation 7. Colorado Springs Gazette 8. Michigan Advance 9. Missouri Independent 10. Wisconsin State Journal
- The ongoing debate over conversion therapy for minors in the United States is witnessing a fluctuating legal landscape, with various states having implemented bans, yet facing legal challenges.
- In contrast to Kentucky, where a bill overturning the governor's veto potentially allows conversion therapy for minors, Wisconsin's Democratic governor has been trying since 2020 to enact a statewide ban, facing repeated blocks from a Republican-controlled legislative committee.
- The Supreme Court case in Colorado, challenging its 2019 ban on conversion therapy for minors on freedom of speech grounds, could have far-reaching implications, potentially overturning similar bans across the nation if it rules in favor of the freedom of speech argument.
- The American Medical Association has written model legislation for state lawmakers seeking to ban conversion therapy, with 23 states and Washington, D.C., preventing licensed health care providers from subjecting minors to conversion therapy.
- Meanwhile, public opinion generally supports banning conversion therapy for minors, as revealed by Michigan state Rep. Josh Schriver's efforts to repeal what he calls "anti-Christ laws," including Michigan's 2023 ban on conversion therapy for youth.
- Critics argue that conversion therapy, a practice designed to change sexual orientation or gender identity, is ineffective, harmful, and risky for the mental health of LGBTQ+ people, with potentially devastating consequences such as depression, substance use, and suicide.
- The ongoing politics surrounding conversion therapy and the efforts to ban or legalize it highlight the need for continued community involvement, advocacy for mental health and wellness, and proper policy and legislation in health and science to protect vulnerable youth from harmful therapies and treatments.
