When Protection Meets Freedom: A Personal Reflection on Conversion Therapy in 2026”
As I read the latest news about conversion therapy, I found myself pausing, not just as a blogger, but as a senior reflecting on how much our society has changed and how much it hasn’t.
There was a time, not long ago, when the trajectory seemed clear. Science had spoken. Medicine had spoken. Even many faith communities were beginning to evolve. Conversion therapy, once practiced in shadows and sometimes in the open, was being steadily pushed aside as harmful and outdated.
And yet, here we are. The highest court in our land has reminded us that the story is not over that in America, even deeply contested practices can find protection under the banner of free speech.
I must admit, this leaves me conflicted.
On one hand, I have lived long enough to value the importance of freedom of thought, of belief, of expression. These are not small things. They are the pillars of our democracy.
But on the other hand, I cannot ignore what we have learned over decades: that some practices, especially those imposed on the young and vulnerable, can leave lasting scars.
This is where the tension lies.
In my own life journey from my years in public service to my reflections in this blog, I have seen how policy decisions are rarely black and white. They live in the gray spaces where human dignity, science, belief, and law intersect.
And perhaps that is what this moment is asking of us, not to rush to judgment, but to engage in deeper reflection.
What does it mean to protect our children? What does it mean to honor freedom?
And can we, as a society, hold both truths at the same time?
As I continue to age and yes, hopefully age well, with optimism and purpose, I find that the most important questions are not the ones with easy answers.
They are the ones that challenge us to remain compassionate, informed, and open-hearted.
Because in the end, this debate is not just about laws or courts. It is about people.
Final Thought
The future of conversion therapy laws is now uncertain. The Court’s decision has not ended the debate, it has reignited it, perhaps more intensely than ever.
And like many issues today, it reminds us that progress is rarely a straight line.
- Techniques: Modern practices primarily involve talk therapy and spiritual interventions like prayer or "deliverance ministry". Historically, more extreme methods included aversion therapy (electric shocks, ice baths), hormone treatments, lobotomies, and castration.
- Providers: The practice is most common in religious settings, conducted by clergy or spiritual advisors, though some licensed healthcare providers continue to offer it.
- Historical Context: It emerged in the late 19th century when same-sex attraction began to be pathologized by psychiatrists. Since the removal of homosexuality from the DSM in 1973, mainstream medicine has largely disavowed these efforts.
Known Harms
- Suicidality: Individuals subjected to these practices have significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts.
- Psychological Distress: Common effects include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and intense feelings of shame or self-hatred.
- Social Impact: For youth, it is often experienced as a form of family rejection, which further exacerbates mental health risks.
- Comprehensive Bans: Countries with national bans include Canada, France, Germany, Malta, New Zealand, and Spain.
- Partial Bans: Many jurisdictions, such as Albania and several U.S. states, ban the practice for minors or restrict licensed professionals from performing it.
- United States: As of 2024, at least 23 states and the District of Columbia have banned licensed healthcare providers from using the practice on minors.
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