Supreme Court Decision on Conversion Therapy: A Major Setback for LGBTQ+ Youth
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned a Colorado law designed to protect children from harmful conversion therapy practices. This ruling affects not just Colorado, but 23 other states and Washington, D.C., that have similar protections.
In the case of Chiles v. Salazar, the Court sided with those arguing against the law, disregarding established medical advice. This decision allows licensed therapists to potentially use abusive and discredited methods on young people seeking help with their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), expressed deep concern. She stated, “Today’s reckless decision means more American kids will suffer.” Robinson emphasizes that conversion therapy is pseudoscience that does real harm, calling it “cruel” and a serious danger to children and families.
Leading health care scholars backed Colorado’s law in an amicus brief, arguing that there’s a critical difference between licensed mental health treatment and free speech. They warned that merging the two could undermine patient protections.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, in her dissent, echoed these concerns, saying, “the majority plays with fire in this case.” She highlighted how state regulations have traditionally ensured high-quality medical care, a standard now jeopardized by the ruling.
This case arose after a Colorado resident claimed the law violated her free speech rights. Initially, a district court ruled against her, stating the law did not infringe her rights, and the Tenth Circuit upheld that decision.
Conversely, the plaintiff was backed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, an organization known for its anti-LGBTQ+ stance and labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The Risks of Conversion Therapy
Conversion therapy includes a range of harmful practices aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Many of these methods have been proven ineffective and have caused lasting psychological damage. Every major medical association has condemned these practices.
In fact, a 2021 survey by The Trevor Project found that 13% of LGBTQ+ young people aged 13-24 have been subjected to conversion therapy. Disturbingly, 83% of these incidents happened when they were minors. The same research revealed that LGBTQ+ youth who experience these harmful attempts are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide.
This ruling raises significant alarms for the mental health and safety of vulnerable youth across the nation. As Robinson stated, the fight to protect children from these abusive practices is far from over. We must consider the voices of those who have suffered due to these discredited methods as we navigate this crucial issue in society.
For further details on LGBTQ+ youth mental health, you can check out the Trevor Project’s National Survey.
The Supreme Court’s decision highlights a growing divide in American society over LGBTQ+ rights and mental health care standards, making it an important moment for advocates and policymakers committed to protecting the rights and well-being of all young individuals.
