Supreme Court Rules 8-1 Against Colorado Conversion Therapy Ban
Key Takeaways
- 8-1 ruling: Colorado's conversion therapy ban violates First Amendment rights.
- Case returned to lower courts to apply a newly articulated First Amendment standard.
- Possible nationwide implications as other states' bans may be challenged.
Court Strikes Down Ban
The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that Colorado's law banning conversion therapy likely violates free speech rights.
“Supreme Court rules against Colorado law banning 'conversion therapy' for minors The 8-1 decision came from Justice Neil Gorsuch”
Justice Gorsuch wrote the law censors speech based on viewpoint and must face strict scrutiny.
The court sided with Kaley Chiles, a Christian therapist who argued the law infringed her ability to offer faith-based counseling.
The ruling threatens similar bans in roughly two dozen other states.
Gorsuch Frames It as Free Speech
Gorsuch framed the case as a free speech issue rather than a medical regulation.
He acknowledged Colorado may see the policy as essential to public health and safety.
The conservative majority was joined by liberal justices Kagan and Sotomayor.
Jackson dissented, arguing states should regulate healthcare.
Council on LGBTQ Impact
LGBTQ groups condemned the ruling as a setback that will mean more kids are traumatized.
The therapy has been repudiated by every major medical organization.
Supporters framed the ruling as a win for free speech.
The decision is the latest in cases balancing religious freedom and LGBTQ rights.
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