Groups Threaten Lawsuit Over Wisconsin Conversion Therapy Ban

Conservative organizations vow legal action if state's new ban on LGBTQ+ conversion therapy is upheld.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:41pm

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An avant-garde painting with overlapping, geometric brushstrokes in shades of blue, teal, and violet, conceptually representing the divisive political debate over conversion therapy.A fractured, abstract painting captures the heated political clash over Wisconsin's new ban on LGBTQ+ conversion therapy.Madison Today

Several conservative and religious groups in Wisconsin have vowed to file a lawsuit if the state's recently enacted ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors is not overturned. The groups argue the law infringes on their First Amendment rights and ability to provide faith-based counseling.

Why it matters

The debate over conversion therapy, a widely discredited practice that aims to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing culture wars. This potential legal challenge could set up a high-profile court battle over LGBTQ+ rights and the limits of religious freedom.

The details

The Wisconsin legislature passed a law earlier this year prohibiting licensed mental health providers from engaging in conversion therapy with clients under the age of 18. Violators could face disciplinary action. However, a coalition of conservative groups, including the Wisconsin Family Action and Alliance Defending Freedom, have announced plans to sue the state if the ban is not repealed, claiming it unconstitutionally restricts their ability to offer faith-based counseling.

  • The Wisconsin conversion therapy ban was signed into law in February 2026.
  • The groups have indicated they will file a lawsuit if the ban is not overturned in the coming months.

The players

Wisconsin Family Action

A conservative Christian advocacy group that opposes LGBTQ+ rights and has vowed to challenge the state's conversion therapy ban in court.

Alliance Defending Freedom

A conservative legal organization that has supported numerous cases restricting LGBTQ+ rights and is expected to represent the groups suing over Wisconsin's conversion therapy law.

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What they’re saying

“This law is a blatant violation of our constitutional rights to free speech and the free exercise of religion.”

— Julaine Appling, President of Wisconsin Family Action

“Counselors and therapists should be free to have open conversations with clients, including about religious beliefs, without fear of government punishment.”

— Roger Brooks, Senior Counsel, Alliance Defending Freedom

What’s next

The groups have indicated they will file a lawsuit challenging the conversion therapy ban as soon as the law takes effect in the coming months.

The takeaway

This legal battle over Wisconsin's conversion therapy ban highlights the ongoing tensions between LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom, with both sides claiming their constitutional rights are at stake. The outcome could have significant implications for similar laws in other states.