Supreme Court Strikes Down Colorado's Conversion Therapy Ban for Minors

Conversion Therapy Bans·March 31 – April 7, 2026

21 days ago

Supreme Court Strikes Down Colorado's Conversion Therapy Ban for Minors

The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors violates the First Amendment. The court sided with a Christian counselor who argued the law restricted professional speech based on viewpoint Supreme Court strikes down conversion therapy ban. This decision in Chiles v. Salazar found that the state cannot prohibit voluntary conversations between counselors and clients regarding sexual orientation or gender identity Supreme Court rules against Colorado's ban on conversion therapy aimed at LGBTQ youth. The ruling overturns a 2019 state law that prohibited licensed mental health professionals from practicing conversion therapy on people under 18 Supreme Court Rules Against Law Banning Conversion Therapy For Minors. Justice Gorsuch wrote for the majority, stating that the law impermissibly regulated speech rather than conduct Supreme Court overturns ban on so-called 'conversion therapy' on First Amendment grounds.

Supreme Court strikes down conversion therapy banSupreme Court rules against Colorado's ban on conversion therapy aimed at LGBTQ youthSupreme Court Rules Against Law Banning Conversion Therapy For Minors

Key Statements

TThe New York Times

“The Supreme Court rejected a Colorado law banning conversion therapy for minors in an 8-1 ruling, likely invalidating similar bans in more than 20 other states.”

This article confirms the specific 8-1 vote count and the broad impact the ruling will have on other state laws.

CCBS News

“The Supreme Court rules 8-1 that Colorado's conversion therapy ban for minors violates the First Amendment when applied to talk therapy, requiring lower courts to apply stricter scrutiny.”

This explains the legal reasoning behind the ruling, specifically how it applies to talk therapy versus medical conduct.