Is Conversion Therapy Banned in Nebraska? A Survivor’s Guide to the Law and the Supreme Court
Conversion therapy is one of the most discredited and harmful practices facing the LGBTQ+ community. Despite being condemned by every major medical and mental health organization in the country, it remains a threat in many places—including here in Nebraska.
As an attorney who survived conversion therapy practices promoted within the Mormon Church, I know the deep and lasting trauma it causes. This post is for Nebraska families, LGBTQ+ youth, and allies who need to understand the complex legal landscape. We’ll cover what conversion therapy is, its current legal status in Nebraska (it’s more complicated than you think), and how a pending Supreme Court case could change everything.
What Is Conversion Therapy?
Conversion therapy, sometimes called “reparative therapy” or Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts (SOGICE), includes any practice that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Methods can range from talk therapy and prayer to pseudoscientific aversion techniques.
These practices are based on the false premise that being LGBTQ+ is a disorder to be cured. Leading authorities, including the American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association, have declared these practices unethical, ineffective, and dangerous.
The Legal Status of Conversion Therapy: A Patchwork System
Nationwide, there is no federal law banning conversion therapy. Regulation is left to the states, creating a confusing patchwork of protections.
States with Bans: More than 20 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, have laws or regulations protecting minors from receiving conversion therapy from licensed professionals.
States Without Bans: Nebraska is among the states with no statewide ban, leaving LGBTQ+ youth legally vulnerable to these harmful practices.
The Fight in Nebraska: The Lincoln Ordinance
While there’s no statewide law, the fight against conversion therapy is happening at the local level. In 2022, the City of Lincoln passed a historic ordinance to ban the practice on minors within city limits.
However, the ordinance was immediately challenged in federal court by religious counselors. A judge issued a preliminary injunction, pausing the ban’s enforcement while the case proceeds. As of late 2025, Lincoln’s ordinance remains unenforceable.
This legal battle highlights the tension right here in Nebraska between protecting vulnerable youth and arguments centered on free speech and religion. It means that, for now, there are no legal prohibitions on conversion therapy in Lincoln or anywhere else in the state.
The Psychological Toll: What the Research Shows
The evidence is overwhelming: conversion therapy causes severe harm. A landmark study from Stanford University found that individuals subjected to these practices face significantly higher rates of:
Depression and anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Suicide attempts
For survivors like myself, the journey to heal from the psychological and spiritual damage can take a lifetime. It erodes trust in therapeutic and religious institutions and leaves scars that are not easily seen.
The Supreme Court Case on the Horizon: Chiles v. Salazar
The national landscape could soon be upended. The U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to hear Chiles v. Salazar, a case challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors.
The Argument: A licensed counselor claims the ban violates her First Amendment rights to free speech and free exercise of religion.
The Stakes: If the Supreme Court takes the case and strikes down Colorado’s law, similar bans in dozens of other states could be invalidated. For Nebraska, a ruling against these bans would make it even harder for advocates to pass future protections at the state or local level.
FAQs: Conversion Therapy in Nebraska
Is conversion therapy legal in Nebraska?
Yes. There is no statewide ban. While the city of Lincoln passed an ordinance to ban it for minors, a federal court has currently blocked its enforcement.
Can a licensed therapist in Nebraska perform conversion therapy on my child?
Legally, yes. Without an enforceable ban, licensed mental health professionals in Nebraska are not prohibited from engaging in these practices.
What is the Supreme Court case Chiles v. Salazar about?
It’s a challenge to Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors, based on free speech and religious freedom claims. The outcome could affect all state-level bans.
What can I do to protect my child?
Vet therapists carefully. Ask them directly: “Do you believe sexual orientation or gender identity can or should be changed?” Seek out affirming providers and resources from organizations like The Trevor Project or OutNebraska.
The Takeaway for Nebraskans
The legal battle over conversion therapy is not an abstract debate—it’s about protecting real kids in our communities. As a survivor, I know that the absence of a law is not neutral; it’s an open door for harm.
With the legal status in Lincoln in flux and a major Supreme Court decision looming, it’s more important than ever for Nebraska families to be vigilant.
If you or someone you love has been harmed by conversion therapy, or if you need help navigating your legal options for finding safe and affirming care in Nebraska, please contact my office for a confidential consultation. You are not alone, and you have rights.