Supreme Court weighs conversion therapy ban against free speech rights
- The Supreme Court is reviewing a Colorado law that bans conversion therapy for minors.
- Therapists argue that the law restricts their ability to engage freely with clients.
- The case reflects broader societal tensions surrounding LGBTQ rights and mental health support.
In Colorado, the Supreme Court is set to address a pivotal case regarding a law enacted in 2019 that prohibits licensed therapists from administering conversion therapy to minors. This practice, aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, has been widely discredited by major mental health organizations due to its harmful consequences, including increased suicide risk. The plaintiff, Kaley Chiles, argues that the law infringes upon her free speech rights and prevents open dialogue with clients who may have differing values. This case occurs amid a backdrop of rising numbers of American youth identifying as LGBTQ+, prompting a debate over the best ways to support these individuals during development. Advocates for the ban emphasize the protection of young people from potentially harmful treatments, while opponents seek to preserve the therapeutic approach they believe is beneficial, especially for minors exploring their identities.