Conversion Therapy Ban and Enforcement - Spokane Law

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

In Spokane, Washington, city residents and providers should know how local regulations and city complaint processes address conversion therapy practices. This guide summarizes how to identify a complaint, who enforces local rules, typical sanctions, and practical steps to report concerns to Spokane authorities. Where official Spokane code text or departmental procedures do not list specific fines or forms, the text notes that fact and points to the controlling City of Spokane pages for filing and contact details.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility for civil-rights related complaints in Spokane rests with the City of Spokane Civil Rights & Equity office and related municipal enforcement offices. For departmental contact and complaint filing instructions, see the City of Spokane Civil Rights & Equity page City Civil Rights & Equity[1] and the Spokane municipal code repository for ordinance text Spokane Municipal Code[2].

Specific monetary fines for conversion-therapy related violations are not consistently itemized on the cited Spokane pages; where the municipal pages do not state amounts, this guide notes "not specified on the cited page."

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code and enforcement notices for exact figures.
  • Escalation: first offence and repeat or continuing offences are managed per municipal enforcement rules; specific escalation amounts or per-day penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include cease-and-desist orders, administrative orders, referral to licensing boards where applicable, or civil court action as set out by enforcing authorities.
  • Enforcer and complaint intake: City of Spokane Civil Rights & Equity handles intake and initial review; complaints are submitted via the office's official contact channels.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes typically follow administrative-review procedures and judicial review; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited city pages and should be confirmed with the enforcing office.
Enforcement often begins with an intake investigation by the civil rights office and may result in administrative orders or referral to court.

Applications & Forms

The City of Spokane Civil Rights & Equity page describes complaint filing but does not publish a standalone conversion-therapy form on the cited page; it directs complainants to the office for procedures and intake instructions.[1]

Common Violations

  • Providing conversion therapy to minors where prohibited by state or local law — penalty details: not specified on the cited page.
  • Advertising or offering conversion-therapy services in a licensed facility — may trigger licensing review or orders.
  • Failure to comply with an administrative cease-and-desist or investigatory subpoena — may lead to court enforcement.
If you believe someone is being subjected to conversion therapy, document dates, communications, and witnesses before filing a complaint.

FAQ

Is conversion therapy banned in Spokane?
Local Spokane ordinance text specifically addressing conversion therapy is not clearly listed on the cited municipal pages; residents should consult the City Civil Rights & Equity office for current local application and whether state law applies in specific cases.[1][2]
How do I file a complaint?
Contact the City of Spokane Civil Rights & Equity office via the official contact page and follow their intake directions; if an explicit complaint form is required, the office will provide it.[1]
What happens after I file?
The office reviews intake material, may open an investigation, issue administrative orders, and refer matters to licensing or court as appropriate; exact timelines are not specified on the cited page.[1]

How-To

  1. Gather documentation: dates, communications, provider names, and witness contacts.
  2. Contact the City of Spokane Civil Rights & Equity office to request intake instructions and file a complaint.[1]
  3. Submit evidence as directed and follow up with the office for status updates and any required declarations.
  4. If issued an administrative order you disagree with, ask the office for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Spokane Civil Rights & Equity first for intake and guidance on conversion-therapy complaints.
  • Specific fine amounts or forms may not be published on the referenced pages; confirm details with the enforcing office.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Spokane - Civil Rights & Equity
  2. [2] Spokane Municipal Code (Municode)

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data