Supreme Court Ruling on Conversion Therapy: Implications and Reactions

On March 31, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in an 8-1 decision in *Chiles v. Salazar*, striking down Colorado's law banning conversion therapy for minors when the practice consists solely of speech. The Court held that such a ban violates the First Amendment's protection of free speech, particularly when it targets the viewpoints expressed by therapists. The ruling mandates that any law restricting speech must undergo strict scrutiny, requiring the state to demonstrate a compelling interest and to limit speech as minimally as possible.

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Colorado's law, enacted in 2019, aimed to protect LGBTQ+ youth from harmful practices associated with conversion therapy, which includes attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. The law prohibited not only physical aversion techniques but also verbal counseling aimed at altering a minor's sexual orientation. The Supreme Court's ruling did not declare conversion therapy as safe or effective but focused on the law's failure to be viewpoint neutral, thereby infringing on free speech rights.

Connecticut’s conversion therapy ban in question after Supreme Court decisionThe AdvocateReligion News ServiceThe Court’s Conversion Therapy Decision Endangers LGBTQ+ YouthThe HillIn Chiles v. Salazar, the Supreme Court is blind

Kaley Chiles, a licensed counselor and evangelical Christian, challenged the Colorado law, arguing it infringed on her ability to practice therapy consistent with her beliefs. The case drew attention from various organizations, including the American Psychological Association, which opposes conversion therapy due to its harmful effects.

In Chiles v. Salazar, the Supreme Court is blind

Critics of the ruling argue that it represents a significant setback for LGBTQ+ rights. They contend that the decision prioritizes free speech over the well-documented psychological harm caused by conversion therapy. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the sole dissenter, emphasized that the ruling could undermine states' rights to regulate medical practices aimed at protecting public health. Advocates warn that the ruling may embolden similar practices and weaken protections for LGBTQ+ youth.

Connecticut’s conversion therapy ban in question after Supreme Court decision

Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for the majority, stated, "A law regulating the content of Ms. Chiles's speech...prescribes what views she may and may not express," underscoring the need for strict scrutiny of such laws. Conversely, Jackson's dissent highlighted the potential dangers of elevating speech protections in contexts where patient safety is at stake. Organizations like the Trevor Project expressed concern that the ruling complicates efforts to protect LGBTQ+ minors from harmful practices.

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The Supreme Court's decision sends the case back to lower courts for further review under the strict scrutiny standard. Legal experts suggest that states may need to craft laws that are more viewpoint neutral to withstand constitutional challenges. The ruling raises questions about the future of similar laws in other states, potentially affecting 23 states with comparable bans on conversion therapy.

The Court’s Conversion Therapy Decision Endangers LGBTQ+ Youth

While the ruling has been interpreted as a victory for free speech advocates, it has also sparked debates about the implications for public health and the regulation of professional conduct. Critics argue that the decision could lead to increased harm for LGBTQ+ youth, while supporters maintain that it protects essential free speech rights. The broader implications of this ruling on LGBTQ+ rights and public health remain a contentious topic among legal scholars and advocates.

The Court’s Conversion Therapy Decision Endangers LGBTQ+ Youth