Supreme Court rules against conversion therapy ban in 8-1 decision - LGBTQ Nation

"The First Amendment stands as a shield against any effort to enforce orthodoxy in thought or speech in this country, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the majority."

"Chiles argued that the law is stifling her free speech, even though she doesn't practice conversion therapy but instead just wants to have conversations with her minor clients about their sexualities."

"The state of Colorado argued that professional conduct in therapy isn't a form of protected speech and that Chiles is free to advocate for conversion therapy all she wants in public forums."

"Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson was the only justice to dissent, arguing that the Court was interfering with states' rights to regulate medical care."

The Supreme Court struck down Colorado's ban on conversion therapy in an 8-1 decision, emphasizing First Amendment rights. Justice Neil Gorsuch stated that the First Amendment protects against enforced orthodoxy in thought and speech. The case arose from a challenge by therapist Kaley Chiles, who argued that the law infringed on her free speech rights, despite not practicing conversion therapy. Colorado contended that therapy is not protected speech. Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson dissented, expressing concern over state regulation of medical care.

Read at LGBTQ Nation