TL;DR
- Supreme Court rules against conversion therapy bans.
- States can now allow conversion therapy discussions.
- Justice Gorsuch emphasizes First Amendment rights.
- Major win for anti-LGBTQ advocates.
- Conversion therapy remains a contentious issue.
In a shocking turn of events, the US Supreme Court has just dealt a devastating blow to LGBTQ rights by ruling that states cannot ban conversion therapy for minors. This decision, delivered with an 8–1 majority, has sent ripples of concern through the community, as it opens the door for therapists to engage in practices that many consider harmful.
Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for the majority, stated, “The First Amendment stands as a shield against any effort to enforce orthodoxy in thought or speech in this country.” This ruling means that states can no longer use licensing rules to restrict what therapists can discuss with their clients, including controversial topics like conversion therapy.
The case, known as Chiles v. Salazar, was brought forth by Colorado-based therapist Kaley Chiles, who argued for her right to provide faith-based counseling to minors seeking to change their feelings of same-sex attraction. She claimed that her clients feel their faith and relationship with God are more important than their romantic attractions, a perspective that many in the LGBTQ community find deeply troubling.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson stood alone in dissent, highlighting the potential harm this ruling could inflict on vulnerable youth. The decision is seen as a significant victory for the Trump administration, which had supported the challenge against state bans on conversion therapy.
While this ruling specifically pertains to talk therapy, it’s crucial to note that states still have the authority to regulate medical interventions like hormone treatments or surgeries. This follows a previous ruling in 2025 that upheld state bans on certain gender-affirming treatments for minors, raising alarms about the ongoing battle for LGBTQ rights in the US.
According to the Williams Institute, an estimated 698,000 LGBTQ adults in the US have undergone conversion therapy, with a staggering 350,000 experiencing it during their adolescent years. Despite this, a 2019 Stonewall Anniversary Poll revealed that 56% of Americans believe conversion therapy on LGBTQ kids should be illegal, and 64% disagreed with medical professionals withholding elective care due to religious objections.
As the dust settles on this controversial ruling, it’s essential for the LGBTQ community and allies to remain vigilant. The fight for equality and mental health safety is far from over. For more on this issue, check out our previous coverage on how the Supreme Court has impacted LGBTQ rights, including the article on the conversion therapy ban.
Let’s keep the conversation going and ensure that LGBTQ youth are protected from harmful practices masquerading as therapy. Your voice matters in this fight for justice!