Virginia was the first Southern state to ban so-called conversion therapy in 2020. This is a program that helps children accept their God-given sexual orientation and gender.

The law limits the options available to kids in need of help. It prohibits licensed counselors from performing any “practice or treatment” that aims to change a minor’s “sexual orientation” or “gender identification.”

Now, the state has reversed this harmful policy.

On June 24, a Henrico County Circuit Court Judge ordered that licensed counselors can legally provide talk therapy to minors in order to help them overcome unwanted emotions of gender dysphoria and same-sex attractions.

The change is the result of a lawsuit that was filed in September last year by Founding Freedoms Law Center. This legal arm of The Family Foundation. The Virginia Attorney General’s Office agreed to the consent order.

Victoria Cobb, President of the Family Foundation told Restoration News that “this is a significant victory for counsellors and children.”

“Unconstitutional laws that ban any conversations counter to radical trans orthodoxy–especially conversations rooted in biological reality–they violate free speech, and they strip vulnerable minors of the right to explore alternatives that could save them from lifelong harm. She added that now, Virginia teens and families can access counseling aligned with their goals and faith.

“A Monumental Victory”

The lawsuit was filed by licensed Christian counselors John Raymond and Janet Raymond who have a front-office practice in Front Royal, northern Virginia.

The Raymonds provide counseling for a variety of issues, including sexual addictions and identity problems. In their complaint they stated that the Raymonds had previously provided services to adults and minors, but as a precaution were forced to stop working with the latter.

The couple suffered a substantial loss of income, but also a chilling impact on their religious and political expression.

Cobb said this was probably the desired effect of the law, given Democrats’ tendency to silence those who disagreed with them.

When the ideological Left disagrees on various issues, they tend to shut down dialogue. “And that’s exactly what happened in this case,” she said.

VA’s “conversion Therapy” ban has been effectively STRIKED DOWN!

A lawsuit filed by the Founding Freedoms Law Center in support of Christian counselors John and Janet Raymond has allowed all VA counselors to speak openly about sexuality and gender. pic.twitter.com/E6fXFlrbtt

The Family Foundation of Virginia
July 1, 2025

“When there are alternative agendas being pushed, the aim is not to suggest their alternative as best, but to silence those who hold biblical principles or views on any number issues.”

According to the Movement Advancement Project, 22 other states as well as the District of Columbia also have similar bans. Alabama, Florida Georgia, Indiana and South Carolina have currently placed restrictions on the implementation such laws.

The Virginia law will no longer be enforceable against the Raymonds or other talk therapy counselors within the state, even though it has not been completely canceled by the court order.

The Raymonds stated in a statement that “this is a major victory for Virginia counselors who can now offer compassionate and commonsense talk therapy” to minors who seek help with unwanted sexual feelings or confusion about their identities.

We are grateful to God, and the Founding Freedoms Law Center, for helping us to defend our rights to freedom of expression and religion.

This article first appeared on Virginia Win: Court Approves Talk Therapy For Kids Confused About Gender and Sex