Recommendations of the Editorial team
Laws that Banning conversion therapy for minors in more than 20 states is in danger. A case challenging Colorado’s law on free speech grounds is currently underway in the U.S. Supreme Court. Today the court heard oral arguments in the case of Chiles v. Salazar – the first case of its kind before the Supreme Court.
The case of Chile v. Salazar and his meaning
Kaley Chiles, a licensed therapist from Colorado and self-professed Christian, argues that the 2019 law banning conversion therapy for minors violates her First Amendment rights. It is represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom – an organization designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Freedom of religion against the state’s duty to protect
The state of Colorado – represented by Patty Salazar, Managing Director of the Department of Regulatory Agencies – counters: The aim of regulating the law is to prevent a scientifically discredited practice that is demonstrably harmful. The law includes a religious exemption for unlicensed ministers serving in a religious office.
Doubts about Colorado law
In a 90-minute hearing, Chiles representatives argued the law violated freedom of expression. The attorney for the state of Colorado responded that it is the state’s responsibility to protect citizens from dangerous treatments. A decision is expected in June 2026.
What is at stake: minors and freedom of expression
“A key question is whether a state can regulate conversion therapy for minors the same way it regulates other harmful medical practices,” said Suzanne B. Goldberg, a professor at Columbia Law School. She emphasizes: “Licensed providers are under public supervision – society must be able to rely on them not causing harm.”
Medical consensus: Conversion therapy is harmful
The medical consensus is clear: Conversion therapy doesn’t work and is proven to cause harm. A resolution from the American Psychological Association (2021) lists serious consequences – including depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicidality. A study by the Trevor Project also shows that LGBTQ+ youth who are exposed to such treatment are twice as likely to attempt suicide.
Voices from science and activism
The Trevor Project’s Casey Pick remains hopeful that the judges will consider the scientific evidence.
“Psychological treatments, like medical treatments, should be neutral, competent and evidence-based,” says Pick.
Psychologist Douglas C. Haldeman, who has been working with survivors since 1983, is more skeptical: “We live in a time in which science and reality are increasingly being questioned. If politics is based on prejudice, we are lost.”
Parallels to the case “US vs. Skrmetti”
The hearing follows a 6-3 ruling in which the Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming treatments for minors. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson questioned why the current case did not meet the “functional equivalent” of Skrmetti. Goldberg adds: “It would be contradictory if states were allowed to ban gender-affirming therapies, but not conversion therapy.”
Possible decisions and consequences
The court could not only rule in favor of Chiles or Colorado in June, but also send the case back to a lower court.
Goldberg explains, “If the law is repealed, it will jeopardize the power of states to protect citizens from harmful practices.”
Danger of a precedent under the Trump-friendly court
Haldeman warns: “A ruling in favor of Chiles would be catastrophic. Over 20 states would lose their protective laws – we would fall behind by decades.” The current Supreme Court, shaped by conservative appointments during the Trump administration, could set a dangerous precedent that reduces health regulation to free speech.
Why the issue transcends party lines
Goldberg emphasizes: “Banning conversion therapy is not a partisan issue. Republicans and Democrats alike support it – based on clear scientific evidence and the accounts of young people who have suffered from the practice.”
Despite the uncertainty, Haldeman remains fierce: “For all marginalized people, especially the LGBTQ+ community, it is more important than ever to focus on self-care, solidarity and resistance. Don’t give up – we will get through this time.”