Conversion Therapy Ban

The ruling by a federal appeals court is effectively a victory for two family therapists, who challenged ordinances that barred treatment or counseling designed to change minors’ sexual orientation or gender identity.

The governments and groups have filed requests to submit briefs in support of Palm Beach County and Boca Raton, which sought a rehearing after a ruling by a federal appeals court panel.

The city and county filed a petition asking for a rehearing by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals or by a panel that ruled local ordinances banning the therapy violated the First Amendment.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, sided with marriage and family therapists who challenged the constitutionality of Palm Beach County and Boca Raton ordinances.

Despite a ban in 22 Florida communities, conversion therapy is a widespread practice in Florida, according to activists.