The therapist argues that Colorado’s ban on “conversion therapy” violates her right to free speech. About half of the states also have similar restrictions.
The Supreme Court takes up Colorado’s “conversion therapy” case
U.S. Supreme Court Justice is set to listen to verbal debates about Colorado’s “conversion therapy” ban.
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court is back in the culture war, debating whether states can block licensed therapists from trying to change the sexuality and gender identity of young people.
On October 7th, the court is considering the Christian counselor’s claim that Colorado’s “conversion therapy” ban violates her right to free speech.
Colorado officials argue that the state’s 2019 law, which resembles the limits of about half the state, is necessary for “overwhelming evidence” that conversion therapy can harm young people, including increasing the risk of depression and suicide.
The case comes months after the High Court ruled in June that it could ban genders that affirm the care of minors. And the judge will consider later in the term, whether the state can prevent transgender girls and women from playing on women’s sports teams.
Follow us for the latest updates on today’s discussion.
Colorado Act signed by the first openly gay elected governor of Colorado
The state’s challenged regulations were signed into law in 2019 by Gov. Jared Police, the country’s first openly gay elected governor.
“In just 27 years, we have made a significant change from what was called a ‘state of hatred’ to where all Coloradan rights are respected,” Police said.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who defends the law, is one of the candidates running in next year’s election to replace Police.
In 2023, the Supreme Court rejected challenges similar to Washington law brought about by Christian marriage and family counselors.
Three conservative justices – Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh said they would acknowledge the appeal. It takes four people justice to agree to hear the case.
Thomas said the state’s law is “point-based and content-based discrimination is in its purest form.”
Shannon W. Stevenson, Colorado’s top appeals lawyer, defends the state’s ban.
She was appointed Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, running for governor in 2023.
Who is refuting Colorado’s “conversion therapy” ban?
Jim Campbell, the top lawyer for Alliance Defense Freedom, represents Colorado counselor Kaylee Chile, who challenges the state’s ban on conversion therapy.
Alliance Defending Freedom is a conservative legal organization that has frequently appeared in courts in recent years when it comes to well-known social issues. They told me they had to create a website for same-sex weddings.
Is the Trump administration involved in the incident?
The case is about states rather than federal law, but the Department of Justice is involved. At the request of the department, Justice Department lawyer Hashim M. Moopan gets time in oral discussions to support the counselor’s challenges.
The Justice Department has already told the judiciary that Colorado is “shooting one side of the ongoing debate in the mental health community about how to discuss issues with children with gender and sexuality.”
