The Wisconsin Supreme Court has cleared the way for a permanent ban on conversion therapy in the state, overturning repeated attempts by a Republican-led committee to block the measure. The move means that licensed professionals and others will no longer be able to practice methods aimed at changing someone’s orientation or gender identity. As reported by the Associated Press, the court ruled that the committee overstepped its constitutional powers by interfering in the process. The ban, championed by Governor Tony Evers, is now set to move forward thanks to a 4–3 judgement that limits legislative overreach.
This decision is a major win for LGBTQ+ rights campaigners who have long argued that conversion therapy is nothing short of psychological abuse. While local bans had already been introduced in 14 Wisconsin cities, including Milwaukee and Madison, this ruling sets a new precedent by making the protection statewide. It also sends a clear message to therapists and medical professionals that practices aimed at “correcting” identity or orientation are no longer legally defensible.
Why this ruling could reshape public thinking
Legal bans are more than symbolic gestures—they actively help shape societal norms. When a government steps in to prohibit something, it sets boundaries around what’s considered safe, ethical and acceptable. For young LGBTQ+ people in Wisconsin, this decision could mean greater confidence in seeking mental health care, knowing that practitioners can’t legally try to change who they are.
It also impacts families, schools and faith communities. The ruling makes it far harder for anyone to justify conversion therapy as a legitimate or caring act. Instead, it reclassifies the practice as harmful and unacceptable. By taking this step, Wisconsin joins over 20 US states in recognising the dangers of conversion therapy and implementing safeguards against it.
And it might not stop there. The visibility of this ruling may well encourage other states to take similar steps. It also gives added momentum to global efforts, as seen in countries like Canada, Malta, Germany, and New Zealand, where conversion therapy has already been outlawed.
Where does the UK stand, and what comes next?
The UK government first pledged to ban conversion therapy back in 2018. While the announcement was widely welcomed at the time, progress has been frustratingly slow. Campaigners have repeatedly criticised delays and inconsistencies in government action, particularly the exclusion of transgender people from early drafts of proposed bans. Earlier this year, The Guardian reported that delays by the Labour party on passing a comprehensive ban had led to concern among LGBTQ+ groups and human rights organisations.
Still, support remains strong. Most professional healthcare bodies in the UK, including the British Psychological Society and NHS England, have long rejected conversion practices. In Scotland, the government has committed to a full ban by 2027 regardless of what happens at Westminster—a move that may set a new bar for the rest of the UK.
For many, this isn’t just about a legal milestone. It’s about recognising harm, protecting vulnerable people, and building a culture that treats LGBTQ+ identities with dignity. As the fallout from Wisconsin’s ruling continues, it may serve as both a model and a challenge for British lawmakers: if a US state can get this done, what’s stopping the UK?
Ultimately, laws like this aren’t just political wins. They’re cultural markers—proof that the tide is turning against practices rooted in shame and fear. And when that happens, it becomes easier for people to live, work, and love without apology.