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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2025-03-24

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill prohibits licensed mental health professionals in North Carolina from practicing conversion therapy—treatments intended to change sexual orientation or gender identity—on minors under 18 and adults with disabilities. The bill also prohibits state funding from being used for conversion therapy services or referrals.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that major medical organizations including the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, and American Medical Association have concluded that conversion therapy is ineffective and causes serious psychological harm including depression, anxiety, and increased suicide risk.
• •They contend the bill protects vulnerable young people and disabled adults from harmful practices based on the scientific consensus that sexual orientation and gender identity are not disorders requiring treatment.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue the bill restricts parental rights and religious freedom by preventing parents from seeking counseling aligned with their values, and limits therapist autonomy in treating clients who request orientation change.
• •Some also contend that certain types of supportive counseling could be mischaracterized as conversion therapy, and question whether government should regulate these professional practices through this specific prohibition rather than existing licensing board oversight.