Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Responds to Supreme Court Ruling on Conversion Therapy

On a recent Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in the case of *Chiles v. Salazar*, striking down Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors, a decision that has drawn significant criticism from various stakeholders, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. The Court's majority opinion, authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, asserted that the prohibition on licensed counselors performing conversion therapy constituted a violation of the First Amendment, categorizing talk therapy as a form of speech. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was the sole dissenter, arguing that the ruling undermines states' authority to regulate medical treatments aimed at protecting vulnerable patients.

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Governor Beshear expressed his disapproval of the ruling, stating, "The Supreme Court is absolutely wrong. Torture is never free speech. It’s just torture." He emphasized the harmful impact of conversion therapy, linking it to tragic outcomes, including the suicide of Henry Berg-Brosseau, a transgender rights activist and son of Kentucky state Senator Karen Berg. Beshear highlighted the need for legislation that prioritizes suicide prevention over harmful practices, asserting, "We should always be in the suicide prevention business. Never in the suicide causing business."

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Beshear, a Democrat in a predominantly Republican state, has a history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, having previously signed an executive order banning conversion therapy, which was later overridden by the legislature. He has consistently vetoed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, despite knowing these vetoes would be overridden.

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The ruling has been met with strong condemnation from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations. Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, described the decision as "a tragic step backward for our country that will put young lives at risk." Lambda Legal's Carl Charles, a survivor of conversion therapy, criticized the ruling for legitimizing a practice that has been widely discredited. The United Nations has previously classified conversion therapy as cruel and degrading treatment, with major medical associations in the U.S. condemning the practice due to its harmful effects on mental health.

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In light of the ruling, Beshear called for electoral action, urging the need to elect representatives who oppose discrimination. He emphasized the importance of LGBTQ+ individuals running for office and engaging with voters on shared economic concerns. Beshear recounted a moment of support from a constituent who, despite disagreeing with his actions, acknowledged his commitment to doing what he believes is right.

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• “The Supreme Court is absolutely wrong,” — Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky

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• “We should always be in the suicide prevention business.” — Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky

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Governor Beshear's ongoing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community reflects a broader struggle against discrimination, as he pledges to continue advocating for the rights of marginalized individuals in Kentucky.

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