Colorado's Ban on Conversion Therapy for Minors Challenged at Supreme Court
Colorado's 2019 ban on conversion therapy for minors is facing a Supreme Court challenge. Kaley Chiles, a licensed therapist, argues the law infringes on her professional freedom. The case follows years of advocacy from survivors like Mathew Shurka, who testified in Colorado in 2018.
Major American medical and mental health organizations oppose conversion therapy, deeming it ineffective and harmful. Half of U.S. states have outlawed the practice. Colorado's law, enacted in 2019, prohibits licensed therapists from attempting to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, therapists can provide acceptance and support.
Erin Lee's daughter Chloe struggled with gender identity during puberty. Colorado's law made it difficult for Chloe to find a willing counselor. The law's impact on families like the Lees is a key concern in the Supreme Court case. Meanwhile, a 2023 CDC survey found that one in four American high schoolers identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, and three percent as transgender.
The Supreme Court will decide whether Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors violates therapists' rights. The case highlights the ongoing debate between protecting minors and professional freedom. Regardless of the outcome, the case has drawn attention to the prevalence of LGBTQ+ youth and the need for supportive care.
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