Quick Takeaways

• States differ sharply in how they regulate conversion therapy, creating confusion for Christian parents seeking clarity

• As of 2023, 20 states and the District of Columbia have laws protecting minors from conversion therapy, with six additional states having partial bans

• Most state laws focus on licensed mental health providers and do not apply to pastors, church counseling, or parent-led guidance at home

• Medical associations warn that conversion therapy can harm children, especially when guilt or shame methods are used

• The Chiles v. Salazar case could reshape how far states can regulate parent-involved counseling choices

• A practice that divides parents from their children is not a solution at all

Understanding What State Laws Actually Regulate

When parents first search for information on conversion therapy laws by state, they often assume the rules are uniform. They are not. Most state laws focus only on what licensed mental health providers can do with minors. These laws generally do not restrict church-based pastoral counseling, prayer, discipleship, or the everyday ways Christian families guide their children.

Because the language in these laws varies, the same phrase can mean one thing in one state and something different in another. Some states only prohibit efforts to "change sexual orientation." Others define conversion therapy more broadly to include gender identity. A few laws are written so vaguely that parents worry they could be punished simply for having open conversations grounded in faith. That is not how these laws work, but confusion remains widespread.

This confusion matters. Families make decisions based on what they believe the law requires. When the rules are unclear, parents feel pressured to choose between protecting their child and practicing their faith. 

Where Conversion Therapy Is Restricted

As of 2023, more than half of U.S. states have some form of restriction on conversion therapy for minors. These laws typically prohibit licensed counselors from attempting to change a child's sexual orientation or gender identity. They do not cover parents, clergy, or mentors unless those individuals are acting as state-licensed therapists.

Even within states with restrictions, enforcement varies. Some states have adopted statewide rules, while others rely on local ordinances in individual counties or cities. This patchwork can leave Christian parents uncertain about what is allowed and what is not.

If someone promises a scientific outcome from conversion therapy, they are making a claim that has no reliable evidence behind it. This is exactly why several states acted. Families deserve protection from costly programs that advertise results they cannot deliver.

Where Conversion Therapy Remains Legal

A number of states still allow licensed providers to offer conversion therapy to minors. Some lawmakers defend this by framing conversion therapy as a protected religious act or as an issue of professional freedom. Yet parents in these states still face the same difficult questions. Even if something is legal, is it wise, effective, or safe for a child?

Research consistently shows that children exposed to shame-based approaches often experience deep relational harm. Several documented stories reveal that families became fractured, communication broke down, and trust was lost. A practice that divides families is not a path toward healing.

Christian parents seeking support are not wrong to want guidance. The challenge is that conversion therapy often pulls parents toward fear and away from relationships. Faithful guidance should strengthen bonds within the home, not strain them.

How Chiles v. Salazar Could Change State Laws

The Chiles v. Salazar case asks whether states can prohibit conversion therapy for minors or whether such laws violate the rights of therapists who want to offer it. Alliance Defending Freedom, a group involved in the case, argues that these restrictions limit free speech. Courts are now weighing whether professional counseling counts as speech or as regulated medical practice.

For parents, the legal language can feel distant. What matters most is the outcome. If the courts limit a state's ability to regulate licensed providers, families may face a new wave of programs claiming they can "cure" or "reverse" feelings a child is experiencing. This raises serious concerns because the promises of conversion therapy have repeatedly been shown to be unsupported by credible evidence.

Understanding this case helps parents stay grounded. It is not about taking scripture away from families. It is about determining whether the state can prevent false claims made by people selling a product with no proven benefit.

Faith-Based Support That Strengthens Families

Parents often ask what they can do if conversion therapy is not recommended. Faith-aligned counseling, pastoral guidance, and family-centered conversations remain available in every state. These approaches focus on listening, maintaining strong relationships, and helping children grow into emotionally healthy adults.

Christian parenting has always required discernment. You can honor your beliefs and still protect your child from practices that promise more than they can deliver. Love, patience, and open conversation have helped many families navigate questions of identity while remaining rooted in their faith.

Families deserve clear information, trusted guidance, and support that strengthens the relationship between parent and child.

FAQs

Does a state ban on conversion therapy restrict church counseling?
No. Most laws apply only to licensed mental health professionals, not clergy or parent-led guidance.

Can parents still discuss sexuality or identity with their children in states with bans?
Yes. These laws do not restrict personal conversations, prayer, or discipleship within the family.

Is conversion therapy proven to work?
No. There is no credible evidence that it can change a child's sexual orientation or gender identity, and many families report relational strain after trying it.

How does Chiles v. Salazar affect parents?
The case could change how states regulate licensed therapists, which may expand or limit access to programs that claim to change identity.

What faith-based alternatives exist?
Pastoral counseling, family conversations, and supportive Christian resources remain available in every state.