Supreme Court to Rule on Conversion Therapy Bans by June 2026
The Supreme Court is set to rule by June 2026 on state bans on conversion therapy for minors, specifically Colorado's law, addressing First Amendment challenges from a Christian counselor.
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Overview
- The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing state bans on conversion therapy for minors, with a specific focus on Colorado's 2019 law, and is expected to issue a ruling by June 2026.
- Christian counselor Kaley Chiles, supported by Alliance Defending Freedom, is challenging Colorado's ban, asserting it infringes upon her First Amendment free speech rights as a licensed therapist.
- Colorado defends its ban as a crucial healthcare regulation, aiming to prevent licensed therapists from engaging in scientifically discredited practices on minors regarding sexual orientation.
- Previously, a three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Colorado's ban in a 2-1 decision, ruling against Chiles' challenge.
- The Supreme Court's forthcoming decision by June 2026 will significantly influence the scope of practice for licensed mental health clinicians nationwide concerning minors' sexual orientation and gender identity.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the Supreme Court's oral arguments on Colorado's conversion therapy ban with notable neutrality. They meticulously detail the legal arguments from both the state and the challenging therapist, alongside the justices' probing questions. The reporting avoids loaded language and presents a balanced view of the complex legal and ethical considerations, focusing on informing the reader about the proceedings.
"The federal government has taken the side of conversion therapists."
USA TODAY"What I hope for from the case, above all else, is that we finally understand that conversion therapy historically has had nothing to do with gender identity—and that talking and shock therapy don’t belong in the same bucket."
The Free Press"The court’s conservative majority didn’t seem convinced that states can restrict talk therapy aimed at changing feelings or behavior while allowing counseling that affirms kids identifying as gay or transgender."
Chicago Tribune"A majority of the court seemed to believe that Colorado’s ban should be subject to a higher level of review than the standard used by the lower courts who first heard Chiles' challenge."
USA TODAY"The case was brought by Kaley Chiles, who argues the state's restriction unconstitutionally censors conversations about gender dysphoria and sexual orientation that she seeks to have with young patients."
CBS News"The Supreme Court is diving back into the culture wars, debating whether states can block licensed therapists from attempting to change a young person's sexuality or gender identity."
USA TODAY"The Supreme Court on Tuesday considers a free speech challenge to a Colorado law that bans conversion therapy aimed at young people questioning their sexual orientations or gender identities in a case likely to have national implications."
NBC News"The case pits conservative Christian groups against the LGBTQ community."
NPR"The Colorado counselor's case is about much more than gender dysphoria alone, however. It’s about our fundamental free speech rights as Americans that don’t disappear in professional settings."
USA TODAY"The Supreme Court will hear arguments in its latest LGBTQ+ rights case Tuesday, weighing the constitutionality of bans passed by nearly half of U.S. states on the practice known as conversion therapy for children."
ABC News"The Supreme Court will hear arguments in its latest LGBTQ+ rights case Tuesday, weighing the constitutionality of bans passed by nearly half of U.S. states on the practice known as conversion therapy for children."
ABC News"The arguments come months after the Supreme Court’s conservative majority found states can ban transition-related health care for transgender youths, a setback for LGBTQ rights."
Associated Press"The Supreme Court on Oct. 7 will debate whether Colorado’s ban on “conversion therapy” for gay or transgender minors violates the free speech rights of a licensed counselor."
USA TODAY"The Supreme Court is set to convene Tuesday to consider a legal battle involving a Colorado law banning "conversion therapy" treatment for minors brought by a licensed counselor in the state, which she argues unconstitutionally censors her conversations about gender dysphoria and sexuality with young clients."
CBS NewsArticles (41)
Center (14)
FAQ
Colorado's conversion therapy ban for minors is based on House Bill 19-1129, which prohibits licensed healthcare providers from engaging in conversion therapy with patients under 18 to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Violations are considered unprofessional conduct by the licensing board.
Christian counselor Kaley Chiles, supported by Alliance Defending Freedom, is challenging Colorado's ban, asserting it infringes upon her First Amendment free speech rights as a licensed therapist.
The Supreme Court's decision will significantly influence the scope of practice for licensed mental health clinicians nationwide concerning minors' sexual orientation and gender identity, potentially affecting whether conversion therapy can be legally practiced.
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