Winston-Salem Conversion Therapy Ban Guide

Civil Rights and Equity North Carolina 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

This guide explains the municipal-law status of conversion therapy in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and practical steps for residents, families, and service providers. "Conversion therapy" generally refers to practices attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Readers will find where to check the city code, how to report concerns locally, potential enforcement pathways, and links to official resources for current ordinances and reporting.[1]

Overview

As of February 2026, no specific ban on conversion therapy for minors or adults appears in the City of Winston-Salem codified ordinances available through the city code publisher. Local protections, complaints, or ordinances may exist in council actions or departmental policies; confirm with the City Clerk or official code resources listed below for the most current status.[1]

Check official city code and council records before relying on local enforcement claims.

Penalties & Enforcement

Because a standalone city ordinance banning conversion therapy was not located on the cited city code resource, the following items summarize typical municipal enforcement elements and note when the Winston-Salem code is silent.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions (orders, injunctions, business license actions, suspension): not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: where a municipal ordinance exists the City Attorney or the department named in the ordinance enforces it; for local inquiries or to request records contact the City Clerk or the office listed in the ordinance text. If you need to review the code, begin with the official municipal code publisher and the City Clerk records.[1]
  • Appeal and review routes and time limits: not specified on the cited page; specific appeal periods are set in an ordinance or governing administrative code when those provisions exist.
  • Defences and discretion: not specified on the cited page; many municipal rules allow for defenses such as reasonable medical exceptions or licensed-practitioner exemptions when expressly written into an ordinance.
If you are affected by a practice you believe is unlawful, document dates and providers before filing a complaint.

Applications & Forms

No specific form for reporting a conversion-therapy ordinance violation is published in the city code resource cited; if a local ordinance were enacted it would typically identify a complaint form or direct filings to the City Clerk or named enforcement office. Check the City Clerk or municipal code pages for forms and submission instructions.[1]

Action Steps

  • Confirm whether a local ordinance exists by searching the official municipal code and contacting the City Clerk.
  • If you believe a provider is using conversion practices on a minor, document the facts and contact the City Clerk and, where appropriate, state licensing boards or child-protective services.
  • Preserve evidence: dates, communications, advertising, and provider credentials to support any complaint or referral.
  • Seek legal advice for civil claims or to evaluate whether state or federal law applies.

FAQ

Does Winston-Salem have a law banning conversion therapy?
Not located in the cited municipal code resource; confirm with the City Clerk or official code publisher for updates.[1]
Who enforces any municipal ban if one is passed?
Enforcement normally falls to the office or official named in the ordinance, often the City Attorney or a designated department; the cited code page does not specify an enforcement provision for this topic.[1]
How do I report suspected conversion therapy being used on a minor?
Document the situation, contact the City Clerk for local reporting guidance, and consider contacting state licensing boards or child-protective services as appropriate.

How-To

  1. Search the official City of Winston-Salem municipal code at the city code publisher to see if an ordinance exists.[1]
  2. Contact the City Clerk to request council records, ordinances, or complaint procedures.
  3. If you have evidence of harmful practices, collect documentation and contact appropriate state licensing boards or child-protective services.
  4. If you need legal advice, consult a qualified attorney experienced in municipal and civil rights law.
Keep records and official correspondence when filing complaints or information requests.

Key Takeaways

  • No standalone conversion-therapy ban was located in the cited city code as of February 2026.
  • Verify current status with the City Clerk and the official municipal code publisher.
  • Document incidents thoroughly before filing complaints or referrals.

Help and Support / Resources

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