News|CourtsConservative-led US Supreme Court seems wary of ‘conversion therapy’ banThe high court’s conservative justices express concern the ban might infringe upon therapists’ freedom of speech.
## US Supreme Court Reviews Colorado Conversion Therapy Ban
US Supreme Court Reviews Colorado Conversion Therapy Ban
The United States Supreme Court is currently evaluating a challenge to a Colorado law that prohibits licensed psychotherapists from engaging in "conversion therapy" aimed at altering the gender identity or sexuality of minors.
On Tue, Oct 3, 2023, the court, which holds a six-to-three conservative majority, heard arguments concerning whether this ban infringes upon the First Amendment's free speech protections.
The case was initiated by licensed counselor Kaley Chiles, who argues that Colorado's legislation limits her free speech rights. In contrast, Colorado's Solicitor General Shannon Stevenson contends that the law targets harmful practices rather than speech itself.
Enacted in 2019, the Colorado law forbids licensed mental healthcare providers from attempting to modify a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity with a predetermined outcome. This practice, often linked to certain religious beliefs, is widely criticized as pseudoscientific and potentially harmful to LGBTQ youth.
Colorado argues that the claims of free-speech infringements by counselor Chiles remain speculative, as there has been no disciplinary action taken against her. The Alliance Defending Freedom, representing Chiles, maintains that the law might lead professionals to self-censor due to fear of penalties.
The case was initiated by licensed counselor Kaley Chiles, who argues that Colorado's legislation limits her free speech rights.
During the hearing, James Campbell, representing Chiles, argued that the law restricts counselors from assisting minors with goals not aligned with state preferences regarding gender and sexuality. Justice Samuel Alito expressed concerns that the law might discriminate against certain viewpoints.
Chief Justice John Roberts also challenged the assertion that the law merely regulates conduct, noting that speech is protected even when associated with conduct.
Colorado is among over 20 states in the US that have banned conversion therapy, which the medical community largely discredits. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry warns that such practices can exacerbate mental health issues and stigmatize LGBTQ identities.
Research from the Williams Institute at UCLA found that approximately 698,000 LGBTQ adults , including about 350,000 treated as minors, have undergone conversion therapy.
Stevenson emphasized the state's responsibility to regulate healthcare practices to ensure safety, asserting that the law specifically targets a treatment that is ineffective and potentially harmful.
The Supreme Court's decision is anticipated by the end of June 2024, with recent trends indicating a tendency to favor arguments that broaden religious freedom considerations, even in contexts involving potential anti-LGBTQ discrimination.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.