Current Legal Status Across United States
As of 2026, conversion therapy practices targeting minors are prohibited in 25 states plus Washington D.C., covering approximately 68% of the U.S. population. These state-level bans typically prohibit licensed mental health professionals from attempting to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity through therapy. Over 100 municipalities have enacted local ordinances providing additional protections, including major cities like Dallas, Miami, and Phoenix in states without statewide bans.
States With Complete Conversion Therapy Bans
The 25 states with comprehensive bans include California (first in 2012), New Jersey, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont, New Mexico, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Nevada, Washington, Hawaii, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Colorado, Utah, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, and Wyoming. These laws generally impose disciplinary actions against licensed therapists, including potential license revocation and fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Some states like California and New Jersey have expanded their laws to include restrictions on advertising conversion therapy services.
Federal Legislation and Congressional Action
The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act, reintroduced in Congress in 2025, aims to classify conversion therapy as an unfair or deceptive practice under federal consumer protection law. The bill would direct the Federal Trade Commission to enforce regulations and impose civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation. While the legislation has 180 co-sponsors in the House and 42 in the Senate as of early 2026, it faces resistance from Republican lawmakers who argue it infringes on religious freedom and parental rights.
Professional Medical Organization Positions
Major medical associations maintain strong opposition to conversion therapy practices in 2026. The American Psychological Association, American Medical Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics continue to classify these interventions as potentially harmful and lacking scientific validity. The American Counseling Association updated its ethics code in 2025 to explicitly prohibit members from engaging in sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts with clients of any age. These professional stances carry significant weight in state licensing board decisions and malpractice proceedings.
Religious Liberty and Legal Challenges
Religious organizations and some conservative legal groups continue challenging conversion therapy bans through federal courts, arguing First Amendment protections for religious speech and practice. The Supreme Court declined to hear three major cases in 2024-2025, allowing lower court decisions upholding state bans to stand. However, some states have carved out exemptions for religious counselors or pastoral care, creating legal gray areas that advocacy groups say undermine protection effectiveness. Legal experts anticipate continued litigation as more states consider comprehensive bans.
Impact on LGBTQ+ Youth and Families
Research published in 2025 by the Trevor Project found that LGBTQ+ youth in states with conversion therapy bans reported 13% lower rates of attempted suicide compared to those in unprotected states. The Williams Institute estimates that approximately 20,000 LGBTQ+ youth will undergo conversion therapy from licensed providers annually in states without bans. Family acceptance programs and affirming therapy approaches have shown significantly better mental health outcomes, with studies indicating 40% reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms when families receive supportive counseling rather than change-focused interventions.
Related Questions
What happens if a therapist practices conversion therapy in a banned state? Licensed professionals face disciplinary action from state licensing boards, including suspension or permanent license revocation, plus potential civil lawsuits from clients or families.
Do conversion therapy bans apply to religious counselors? Most state laws apply only to licensed mental health professionals, though some states like California have broader restrictions on commercial advertising of conversion services regardless of provider type. (Related: April 2026 Calendar: Key Dates, Holidays & Political Events in the US)
Can adults consent to conversion therapy where it's banned? State bans typically focus on protecting minors, with most allowing adults to seek any counseling they choose, though professional ethics codes discourage these practices for all ages. (Related: Roberto De Zerbi: Brighton Manager's Tactical Revolution and Future Prospects in 2026)