Promoting Civil Discourse & Intellectual Dialogue Series

The Future of Conversion Therapy Bans in the US

Over the last several years, 23 states, including New York and New Jersey, have barred licensed mental health professionals from providing therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation and gender identity. These conversion therapy bans often had bipartisan support when they passed. According to the New York Times, 8 statewide bans were “signed by Republican governors, and every bill passed with Republican support.” However, support for conversion therapy bans has declined recently as criticisms of policies and programs aimed at supporting queer and trans people have surged amongst the American public. In October, the Supreme Court heard in Chiles v. Salazar, a case that challenges Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors. A majority of the justices expressed skepticism over Colorado’s law during oral argument. This event will bring together medical professionals and policy experts to discuss the future of conversion therapy bans in the United States.