Quick Facts

• Conversion therapy remains legal for adults in most states, but 22 states plus DC have banned it for minors as of 2025

• These laws protect children from practices claiming to change sexual orientation or gender identity through harmful methods

• Christian pastoral counseling and faith-based support remain legal and distinct from conversion therapy

• Parents maintain their fundamental right to guide their children's spiritual development and seek appropriate support

• Understanding the difference between genuine faith support and harmful practices helps families make informed decisions

Understanding the Legal Landscape

The question of whether conversion therapy is legal has different answers depending on where you live and who seeks treatment. Currently, 22 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws specifically prohibiting licensed mental health professionals from practicing conversion therapy on minors. These laws recognize that attempting to change a young person's sexual orientation or gender identity through clinical intervention can cause significant psychological harm.

For Christian families navigating these waters, understanding what these laws actually prohibit matters deeply. The banned practices typically involve licensed therapists using aversive techniques, shame-based interventions, or making false promises about changing fundamental aspects of identity. These restrictions protect vulnerable young people from approaches that major medical and mental health organizations have condemned as ineffective and potentially harmful.

What Remains Protected for Families of Faith

Despite widespread misunderstanding, conversion therapy bans do not restrict religious expression, pastoral counseling, or parents' ability to share their faith with their children. Christian families can still:

Seek Pastoral Guidance

Churches remain free to offer spiritual counseling, prayer support, and biblical teaching. Pastors can discuss scripture, pray with families, and provide spiritual guidance without legal interference. This distinction matters because genuine pastoral care focuses on spiritual growth and support rather than clinical attempts to alter identity.

Access Faith-Based Support

Many Christian counselors offer support that respects both faith values and professional ethics. These practitioners help families navigate complex questions while avoiding harmful conversion practices. They focus on helping young people understand themselves, strengthen family relationships, and grow in their faith journey without making false promises about changing orientation.

Exercise Parental Rights

Parents retain their fundamental right to guide their children's moral and spiritual development. You can share your beliefs, set household expectations, and seek appropriate support for your family. The key distinction lies in choosing approaches that strengthen rather than strain family bonds.

The Chiles v. Salazar Case and Its Implications

The ongoing Chiles v. Salazar case in Colorado has brought renewed attention to conversion therapy laws. Alliance Defending Freedom represents plaintiffs challenging Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors, highlighting tensions between different interpretations of religious freedom and child protection.

This case helps Christian families recognize that legal challenges often mischaracterize what these laws actually prohibit. The Colorado law, like others, specifically targets licensed mental health professionals engaging in practices aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity. It does not restrict religious practice, family conversations, or genuine therapeutic support. For families seeking truth, examining actual evidence rather than political rhetoric provides clearer guidance.

Navigating Family Decisions with Wisdom

Christian parents facing questions about their child's identity or orientation need accurate information to make wise decisions. The legal landscape reflects growing recognition that certain practices cause more harm than healing. This understanding aligns with the biblical call to protect children and act with wisdom and love.

Consider these principles when evaluating support options:

Focus on Relationship: Approaches that strengthen family bonds and maintain open communication prove more effective than those that create division. A solution that divides families is not a solution at all.

Seek Qualified Support: Work with professionals who respect your faith while maintaining ethical standards. Legitimate counselors will be transparent about their methods and realistic about outcomes.

Protect Your Child: Recognize that some practitioners make unrealistic promises about changing orientation or identity. These claims often exploit parental concerns while failing to deliver results and potentially causing lasting harm.

Exercise Discernment: Not everyone claiming to offer "biblical" or "Christian" counseling operates ethically. Research credentials, ask about specific methods, and trust your parental instincts if something seems wrong.

State-by-State Considerations

Laws vary significantly across the country. States with protections for minors include California, New York, Illinois, and others, while many states have no specific regulations. Some municipalities have enacted local ordinances even in states without statewide laws.

These variations mean families must understand their local context. Research your state's specific regulations and consult with trusted advisors who understand both legal requirements and your family's needs. Remember that even in states without bans, ethical practitioners avoid harmful conversion practices.

Moving Forward in Faith and Love

The legal status of conversion therapy reflects broader conversations about protecting children while respecting religious freedom. For Christian families, this means carefully distinguishing between harmful practices and genuine faith-based support. Your family knows what's best for your children, and understanding these distinctions empowers you to make informed decisions.

The path forward requires balancing scriptural convictions with practical wisdom about what truly helps young people thrive. Approaches emphasizing unconditional love, maintained relationships, and patient support create space for both faith and flourishing.

FAQs

Q: Can my pastor still counsel my child about sexuality or gender questions?

A: Yes, pastoral counseling remains fully protected. Conversion therapy bans apply to licensed mental health professionals, not religious leaders providing spiritual guidance, prayer, or biblical teaching within their pastoral role.

Q: What's the difference between conversion therapy and Christian counseling?

A: Christian counseling integrates faith perspectives with professional therapy, focusing on overall well-being and spiritual growth. Conversion therapy specifically attempts to change sexual orientation or gender identity, often through harmful methods. Ethical Christian counselors avoid making false promises about changing orientation.

Q: Are parents allowed to seek other forms of help for children experiencing gender confusion?

A: Absolutely. Parents can seek appropriate professional support, pastoral guidance, and counseling that helps children navigate identity questions. The key is choosing qualified professionals who use ethical, evidence-based approaches rather than harmful conversion practices.

Q: Why do medical organizations oppose conversion therapy?

A: Major medical and mental health organizations oppose conversion therapy based on research showing it doesn't achieve its stated goals and often causes depression, anxiety, and family conflict. These organizations support approaches that help young people while maintaining mental health and family relationships.

Q: How can I find trustworthy support that respects my faith?

A: Look for licensed professionals who respect your religious values while maintaining ethical standards. Ask about their specific approaches, training, and how they balance faith perspectives with professional guidelines. Trustworthy providers will be transparent about their methods and realistic about what counseling can accomplish.