The Supreme Court has decided to take a look at a Colorado law that stops mental health professionals from offering “conversion therapy” to minors. This type of therapy tries to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, but it’s widely seen as harmful and ineffective.
Kaley Chiles, a licensed counselor and Christian, is challenging this law. She believes her clients come to her willingly and should have the choice to receive the therapy they want.
Chiles is backed by a religious organization called Alliance Defending Freedom. They argue that laws in Colorado and over 19 other states limit counselors’ ability to express views that their clients seek. However, state officials believe they have the right to regulate how mental health care is provided.
“The treatment of patients by professionals is different from conversations between ordinary people,” Colorado officials stated.
This case is similar to another one that the Supreme Court turned down in late 2023 from a counselor in Washington state. The court is also looking at a case from Tennessee that involves a ban on puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender youth, stating that the state can oversee medical practices.
During earlier arguments, the justices showed that they might support state laws regarding these medical treatments. A decision on the Tennessee case is expected by July.
Many critics argue that conversion therapy causes significant emotional distress and can even endanger lives. This form of therapy often targets individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and tries to change their identities.
Chiles filed her lawsuit against the Colorado law in 2022. Initially, a federal district court denied her request to pause the law’s enforcement, and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with that decision. Chiles then appealed to the Supreme Court in November.
In a similar case that the court dismissed in 2023, three conservative justices—Brett Kavanaugh, Samuel Alito, and Clarence Thomas—expressed that they would have liked to hear the case.
Justice Thomas remarked that under the Colorado law, licensed counselors can only express views that the state approves. He noted that while the court chose not to review this case, he believes the issue will arise again in the future.
Justice Alito, also dissenting in 2023, stated that the court should consider cases where laws restrict therapeutic speech. He pointed out that many states have enacted laws against conversion therapy, which raises concerns about free speech.
The debate surrounding conversion therapy remains complex, as state laws continue to evolve and the Supreme Court navigates the balance between individual rights and state regulations.
