The Supreme Court justices focused on whether the state can regulate speech in therapy, rather than medical conduct
The Supreme Court indicated Tuesday it may strike down Colorado’s ban on “conversion therapy” for minors, with several justices showing sympathy for counselor Kaley Chiles, who argues the law violates her First Amendment rights.
The justices focused on whether the state can regulate speech in therapy, rather than medical conduct.
Chief Justice John Roberts and other conservatives suggested professional speech may be protected.
Colorado cited studies showing conversion therapy can harm minors, increasing risks of depression, anxiety, and suicide, but Chiles’s attorneys said her voluntary, talk-based counseling is different.
Justices debated the weight of medical consensus, with Justice Samuel Alito questioning whether ideology can influence science. Justice Brett Kavanaugh stayed largely silent.
A decision is expected by June, potentially affecting similar laws nationwide.