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HB 2359

conversion therapy; funding; prohibitions; minors

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Anna Abeytia and 13 co-sponsors

Arizona bill prohibits conversion therapy on minors and bars public funding for such practices, joining states protecting LGBTQ+ youth from widely-condemned interventions.

House Second Reading
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Bill Summary · HB 2359

Legislative bill overview

HB 2359 proposes to prohibit the use of conversion therapy on minors in Arizona and restrict public funding from supporting such practices. The bill aims to classify conversion therapy—attempts to change sexual orientation or gender identity through psychological or behavioral interventions—as a prohibited practice when applied to individuals under 18 years old.

Why is this important

Conversion therapy has been widely condemned by major medical organizations including the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and American Psychiatric Association as ineffective and potentially harmful, causing documented psychological trauma including depression, anxiety, and increased suicide risk. This legislation addresses whether Arizona will join the 24+ states that have already enacted similar bans, impacting LGBTQ+ youth protection and state healthcare policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious freedom vs. protection concerns: Opponents may argue the bill restricts parental rights and religious expression, while proponents contend that child protection supersedes these claims in healthcare contexts
  • Definition precision: Disputes may arise over what practices qualify as "conversion therapy" versus legitimate therapeutic support, counseling, or mental health treatment for distressed youth
  • Funding mechanism enforcement: Questions about how the state would identify and prevent public funds from reaching practitioners, and whether private funding restrictions are appropriate government overreach

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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