Conversion Therapy & LGBTQ Rights - Metairie Bylaws

Civil Rights and Equity Louisiana 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Louisiana

Metairie, Louisiana sits within Jefferson Parish and does not have a separate municipal government for the unincorporated community; local rules affecting conversion therapy and LGBTQ protections are set by Jefferson Parish and relevant state licensing boards. This guide explains how to check for local ordinances, where to report concerns, typical enforcement mechanisms, and practical steps for residents and providers in Metairie.

Penalties & Enforcement

There is no Metairie municipal code separate from Jefferson Parish; enforcement responsibility for any local ordinance would lie with Jefferson Parish departments and, for licensed health providers, the relevant Louisiana professional licensing board. A search of the Jefferson Parish code and official pages shows no explicit parish ordinance banning conversion therapy as of February 2026; specific fines or criminal penalties for conversion therapy are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for Jefferson Parish ordinances; check enforcement pages for updated penalties.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing-offence frameworks are not specified on the cited parish code page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: for licensed professionals, discipline may include suspension, revocation, or reprimand by state licensing boards; local government could issue cease-and-desist or administrative orders where authority exists.
  • Enforcer and complaints: local complaints regarding alleged illegal practices or bylaw breaches are routed to Jefferson Parish administration or constituent services, and to state licensing boards for professionals.[2]
Report urgent safety concerns to emergency services or the appropriate licensing board immediately.

Applications & Forms

No Jefferson Parish form specifically titled for reporting conversion therapy was found on the cited parish code page; to report possible unlawful conduct, use the parish constituent services complaint form or submit a complaint to the appropriate Louisiana licensing board for health professionals (if the provider is licensed). For parish-level code enforcement or complaints, see the official parish contact pages cited below.[2]

How local rules interact with state licensing

Professional conduct by therapists, counselors, psychologists, and medical providers is often governed by state boards in Louisiana. Even if Jefferson Parish does not have a specific ordinance banning conversion therapy, licensed providers in Louisiana may be subject to professional standards and complaint procedures from the relevant licensing board.

If you are a client or family member, preserve records and communications before filing a complaint.

Common violations and typical responses

  • Providing or advertising conversion therapy to minors: may trigger complaints to licensing boards or child-protection authorities.
  • Unlicensed practice: reporting can lead to cease-and-desist actions or referral to prosecutors where applicable.
  • False advertising of services: consumer protection inquiries may be relevant.

Action steps for residents

  • Document dates, names, advertising, and communications about the service you believe is conversion therapy.
  • File a complaint with Jefferson Parish constituent services or code enforcement for local practice issues.[2]
  • If the provider is licensed, submit a complaint to the relevant Louisiana licensing board (Medical, Psychology, Counseling) with supporting evidence.
  • If a minor is involved and you believe abuse or neglect occurred, contact child protective services or law enforcement.
Professional boards often publish complaint forms and timelines on their official sites.

FAQ

Is conversion therapy banned in Metairie?
Metairie is an unincorporated area of Jefferson Parish; no separate Metairie municipal ordinance banning conversion therapy was located on the cited Jefferson Parish code page as of February 2026.[1]
Who enforces rules about licensed therapists?
State licensing boards enforce standards for licensed therapists and medical providers; Jefferson Parish handles local ordinance enforcement where applicable.
How do I report a provider in Metairie?
Document the conduct and file a complaint with Jefferson Parish constituent services for local issues and with the appropriate Louisiana licensing board for licensed providers.

How-To

  1. Gather documentation: dates, communications, pamphlets, ads, receipts, and names of providers or staff.
  2. Contact Jefferson Parish constituent services or code enforcement to file a local complaint.
  3. If the provider is licensed, identify the licensing board (e.g., Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, Board of Examiners of Psychologists) and submit a formal complaint with copies of your evidence.
  4. If the situation involves a minor or immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or child protective services.
  5. Follow up with both parish offices and the licensing board to confirm receipt and next steps; ask for complaint reference numbers and timelines.

Key Takeaways

  • Metairie is governed by Jefferson Parish; no separate Metairie ordinance banning conversion therapy was found on the cited parish page.
  • Licensed provider complaints should also be filed with Louisiana professional licensing boards.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances - Municode
  2. [2] Jefferson Parish Constituent Services - Contact/Complaints

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