Wisconsin Supreme Court Upholds Statewide Conversion Therapy Ban, Limits Legislative Authority

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled 4-3 that a Republican-controlled legislative committee's attempts to block a ban on conversion therapy are unconstitutional, allowing the ban to take effect. The ban, supported by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, prohibits licensed mental health professionals from practicing conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ minors, a discredited practice linked to significant mental health risks. The court emphasized that legislative efforts to suspend or block state agency rules must follow constitutional processes involving both legislative chambers and the governor, rejecting the committee's unilateral actions. This decision limits the legislature’s power over state agency regulations and aligns with a broader national debate on LGBTQ+ rights, including the U.S. Supreme Court's pending review of a similar ban in Colorado. The ruling reflects ongoing political tensions in Wisconsin, where Gov. Evers has pushed back against Republican-led anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Conversion therapy is banned in 23 states and Washington, D.C., and has been classified as unprofessional conduct by Wisconsin's professional licensing board since April 2024.