The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a major free speech case challenging Colorado’s 2019 ban on conversion therapy for minors. The ruling could impact more than 20 states with similar laws and reshape how states regulate certain health care practices.
Christian Therapist Leads Challenge
Kaley Chiles, a Christian therapist, argues the ban violates her First Amendment rights because her therapy involves only “talk,” not medical procedures. Colorado says the law regulates conduct, not speech, to protect young people from harmful and discredited practices.
Court’s LGBTQ and Free Speech Record
The Court has previously expanded LGBTQ protections, including legalizing same-sex marriage. But it has also sided with free speech and religious claims in cases that clashed with LGBTQ protections—such as recent rulings on LGBTQ-themed school books and gender-affirming care bans.
Broader Stakes for Health Regulations
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser warned that overturning the law could threaten other regulations that keep unsafe or ineffective treatments out of health care. Chiles’ lawyers counter that the state is trying to control what children believe about themselves.
Possible Narrow Ruling
Rather than deciding the issue outright, the Court could send the case back to lower courts to apply stricter First Amendment scrutiny. A decision is expected to have national implications for both LGBTQ protections and state regulatory powers.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.