Supreme Court Takes Up Colorado Conversion Therapy Ban Challenge
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a landmark challenge to Colorado’s conversion therapy ban, setting up a major First Amendment battle that could impact similar laws nationwide.
Licensed counselor Kaley Chiles, a practicing Christian therapist, argues the state law violates her constitutionally protected free speech rights. The case has drawn significant attention as it could affect similar legislation across multiple states that restrict counseling related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
“A practicing Christian, Chiles believes that people flourish when they live consistently with God’s design, including their biological sex,” the petition stated. “Many of her clients seek her counsel precisely because they believe that their faith and their relationship with God establishes the foundation upon which to understand their identity and desires. But Colorado bans these consensual conversations based on the viewpoints they express.”
Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia currently ban conversion therapy for minors. Colorado’s Minor Conversion Therapy Law allows officials to revoke the licenses of health-care professionals found to have offered conversion therapy to minors.
Jim Campbell, chief legal counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents Chiles, praised the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case.
“Colorado has yet to grasp the fundamental truth that the government cannot censor free speech, especially when doing so harms counselors and the clients they are seeking to help,” he said. “There is a growing consensus around the world that children experiencing gender dysphoria need love and an opportunity to talk through their feelings and their struggles. The language of the statute is very clear in its one-sided censorship. It says that you can only counsel kids struggling with these issues in one direction.”
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the fall, with a decision expected in 2026.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
