The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday, March 31st that a law in the state of Colorado banning “conversion therapies” for LGBTQ+ minors infringed on freedom of expression, siding with a Christian counselor who challenged it.
The law in question was passed by progressive Colorado in 2019 and is one of about 20 U.S. states that prohibits licensed practitioners from performing “conversion therapies” on minors. These therapies claim to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ+ individuals to heterosexual, often equating homosexuality to a disease or mental disorder. The Colorado state argues that these therapies are not only ineffective but also harmful, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts.
Despite this, six conservative judges and two of the three progressives on the Court sided with the plaintiff, Kaley Chiles. Citing her Christian faith, the psychologist argues that the law violates the first amendment of the American Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, supported by the Trump administration.
The decision, written by conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch, states that the Colorado law not only prohibits physical interventions but also censors speech based on personal opinion. Gorsuch emphasizes that the law restricts Chiles’ expression, allowing her to support clients exploring their identity or gender transition but forbidding her from attempting to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Gorsuch concludes that the first amendment serves as a shield against imposing orthodox thinking or speech in the country. As a result, the Court has referred the case back to lower courts to reconsider their unfavorable rulings against Kaley Chiles in light of this decision.
Progressive Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was the only dissenting voice, criticizing her colleagues for potentially undermining states’ ability to regulate medical professions, which could adversely affect Americans’ health.
Kaley Chiles’ lawyer from the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), James Campbell, hailed the ruling as a significant victory for freedom of expression, common sense, and families seeking help for their children.
It is noted that former President Donald Trump declared in 2025 that authorities would only recognize two defined sexes, male and female, and signed a decree ending public funding for minors’ transition treatments. Earlier, the Court had allowed Tennessee to ban transgender minors from accessing such treatments.
“Conversion therapies” are partially or fully prohibited in many countries, with the UN advocating for a global ban, describing them as discriminatory, humiliating, and violating individuals’ bodily integrity.
