The Supreme Court is stepping into the conversion therapy debate.
They’re now taking on Colorado’s ban for minors.
A counselor says the law stomps on free speech and limits her abilities to help.
But the liberal lower courts say the practice is ‘junk science’ and harmful.
They believe you can join the gay lifestyle, but ‘you can’t get out!’ Sounds like a cult to me.
With 23 states watching, this ruling could shake up LGBTQ+ laws across the country.
reports:
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to take up a challenge to state and local laws that ban so-called “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ children.
The dispute before the court arose out of a Colorado law that prohibits licensed mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy on children who may be questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. More than 20 states and the District of Columbia have similar laws on the books. The case will be heard in the Supreme Court’s next term, which begins in October. A decision is expected by the end of June 2026.
Colorado enacted the Minor Conversion Therapy Law in 2019 following what the state said was a growing mental health crisis among young people in the state and “mounting evidence” that conversion therapy is tied to increased depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
The law prohibits “any practice or treatment [upon minors] … that attempts or purports to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex.”
The state joined more than a dozen others in disciplining mental health professionals who practice conversion therapy on minors. Those who are found to engage in this practice face a range of punishments, from fines to a letter of admonition to having their license revoked.
ADVERTISEMENTThe challenge to Colorado’s law was brought by Kaley Chiles, a professional counselor who is licensed by the state and uses talk therapy in her practice. A practicing Christian, Chiles works with adults and young people, and many of her clients are also Christian.
According to court papers, some of Chiles’ clients seek Christian-based counseling “to reduce or eliminate unwanted sexual attractions, change sexual behaviors, or grow in the experience of harmony with [their] physical body.”
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