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In a historic move for LGBTQ+ rights, New Jersey has expanded its ban on conversion therapy to include adults, becoming the first state in the nation to do so. Signed into law on January 9, 2025, by Governor Phil Murphy, the legislation builds on the state’s 2013 ban on conversion therapy for minors. This bold step reaffirms New Jersey’s commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from harmful and discredited practices.
Conversion therapy, also known as “reparative therapy,” is a pseudoscientific practice that attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Widely discredited by medical and psychological organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association, conversion therapy has been linked to severe mental health consequences, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
While many states have banned conversion therapy for minors, adults in most parts of the country have remained vulnerable to these exploitative practices. New Jersey’s expanded ban addresses this gap by ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages are safeguarded from harm.
The new law prohibits licensed therapists and counselors from performing conversion therapy on adults in exchange for compensation. It also imposes penalties on practitioners who violate the law, including fines and the potential loss of their professional licenses.
The legislation also includes provisions to support survivors of conversion therapy. It allocates funding for mental health services and advocacy programs, ensuring that those who have endured these harmful practices can access the help they need to heal.
Studies have shown that conversion therapy is not only ineffective but deeply damaging. According to research by The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ individuals who undergo conversion therapy are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide. By banning this practice for adults, New Jersey is taking a stand against discrimination and prioritizing the well-being of its residents.
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the importance of the new law in a public statement: “Every resident deserves to live their life authentically, free from fear and harm. By expanding our ban on conversion therapy, we are sending a clear message that New Jersey stands with the LGBTQ+ community and values their dignity and humanity.”
New Jersey’s groundbreaking legislation sets a precedent for other states to follow. While many have implemented bans for minors, New Jersey’s move underscores the reality that adults are also at risk of harm from conversion therapy. Advocates hope this law will inspire similar action nationwide.
Sam Brinton, a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate and survivor of conversion therapy, praised New Jersey’s decision: “This is a monumental step forward. Conversion therapy doesn’t just harm minors—it devastates families, relationships, and lives at every age. New Jersey is proving that progress and compassion go hand in hand.”
As New Jersey takes this historic step, it’s clear that the fight against conversion therapy is far from over. Advocacy groups like Garden State Equality are already working to ensure the new law is enforced effectively and are pushing for similar measures at the federal level.
The expanded ban reflects a growing recognition that protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from harm requires a comprehensive approach, addressing discrimination, stigma, and exploitation across all age groups.
New Jersey’s leadership on this issue is a reminder that progress is possible when we prioritize equity, compassion, and the voices of those most impacted. As more states consider following suit, the ripple effects of this decision could transform the landscape of LGBTQ+ rights and mental health care across the nation.
What is Conversion Therapy?
Conversion therapy, also known as “reparative therapy,” is a pseudoscientific practice that attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Widely discredited by medical and psychological organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association, conversion therapy has been linked to severe mental health consequences, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
While many states have banned conversion therapy for minors, adults in most parts of the country have remained vulnerable to these exploitative practices. New Jersey’s expanded ban addresses this gap by ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages are safeguarded from harm.
What the New Legislation Entails
The new law prohibits licensed therapists and counselors from performing conversion therapy on adults in exchange for compensation. It also imposes penalties on practitioners who violate the law, including fines and the potential loss of their professional licenses.
The legislation also includes provisions to support survivors of conversion therapy. It allocates funding for mental health services and advocacy programs, ensuring that those who have endured these harmful practices can access the help they need to heal.
Why This Matters
Studies have shown that conversion therapy is not only ineffective but deeply damaging. According to research by The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ individuals who undergo conversion therapy are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide. By banning this practice for adults, New Jersey is taking a stand against discrimination and prioritizing the well-being of its residents.
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the importance of the new law in a public statement: “Every resident deserves to live their life authentically, free from fear and harm. By expanding our ban on conversion therapy, we are sending a clear message that New Jersey stands with the LGBTQ+ community and values their dignity and humanity.”
A Model for Other States
New Jersey’s groundbreaking legislation sets a precedent for other states to follow. While many have implemented bans for minors, New Jersey’s move underscores the reality that adults are also at risk of harm from conversion therapy. Advocates hope this law will inspire similar action nationwide.
Sam Brinton, a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate and survivor of conversion therapy, praised New Jersey’s decision: “This is a monumental step forward. Conversion therapy doesn’t just harm minors—it devastates families, relationships, and lives at every age. New Jersey is proving that progress and compassion go hand in hand.”
Looking Ahead
As New Jersey takes this historic step, it’s clear that the fight against conversion therapy is far from over. Advocacy groups like Garden State Equality are already working to ensure the new law is enforced effectively and are pushing for similar measures at the federal level.
The expanded ban reflects a growing recognition that protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from harm requires a comprehensive approach, addressing discrimination, stigma, and exploitation across all age groups.
New Jersey’s leadership on this issue is a reminder that progress is possible when we prioritize equity, compassion, and the voices of those most impacted. As more states consider following suit, the ripple effects of this decision could transform the landscape of LGBTQ+ rights and mental health care across the nation.
