List of U.S. jurisdictions banning conversion therapy



A majority of the United States population lives in jurisdictions that have banned conversion therapy on minors, although gaps in protections remain. Opponents argue that it is a pseudoscientific and abusive practice of attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. A total of 26 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and more than 100 municipalities have banned the practice.

Penalties range from fines to imprisonment. The District of Columbia is the only U.S. jurisdiction whose ban also applies to adults. Four states ban the use of state and federal funds for conversion therapy on minors. In some jurisdictions, bans on conversion therapy have been enjoined on First Amendment grounds.

Americans overwhelmingly support bans on conversion therapy for minors and do not believe it is effective.

A 2023 report by The Trevor Project found over 1,300 active conversion therapists still operating in all U.S. states except Vermont and Hawaii.

Medical, psychological and psychiatric organizations
Despite the lack of federal legislation regarding bans on conversion therapy, such therapy has been banned by numerous therapy organizations operating in the U.S. It has been banned by the American Psychiatric Association since 1998. In 2009, conversion therapy was also rebuked by the American Psychological Association. Others include the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and many more. Organizations such as GLAAD and Human Rights Campaign have acknowledged that several other psychiatric and psychological organizations in the United States have rejected the practice of conversion therapy as well.

Resolutions and proclamations
As of February 2021, fourteen cities/counties have passed non-binding resolutions or proclamations declaring opposition to conversion therapy. These are Edgewater, Colorado; Westminster, Colorado; Wheat Ridge, Colorado; Indianapolis, Indiana; Atlanta, Georgia; Worcester, Massachusetts; Columbia, Missouri; Suffolk County, New York; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Appleton, Wisconsin; Eau Claire County, Wisconsin; Richmond, Virginia; Rochester, Minnesota;  and Shorewood, Wisconsin.

Former bans
On May 16, 2023, the Waterloo, Iowa City Council voted 6–1 to ban conversion therapy on minors by medical professionals. On August 21, 2023, this ordinance was removed.