Supreme Court to hear Colorado conversion‑therapy case
The U.S. Supreme Court will consider a challenge by licensed Colorado counselor Kaley Chiles to the state law that bans 'conversion therapy' for minors. Chiles argues the statute unconstitutionally censors her faith‑informed talk therapy about gender dysphoria and sexuality; Colorado and lower courts say the law regulates professional conduct to protect youth. The case—brought in 2022 and upheld so far by district and appeals courts—could have nationwide implications for free‑speech doctrine and state regulation of mental‑health providers.
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📌 Key Facts
- Plaintiff: Kaley Chiles, a licensed counselor in Colorado represented by Alliance Defending Freedom
- Law details: Colorado's ban (effective 2019) defines conversion therapy to include talk therapy that seeks to change sexual orientation or gender identity; penalties include fines up to $5,000 per violation and possible professional‑license sanctions
- Procedural history: Chiles sued in 2022; a federal district court and a divided federal appeals court ruled against her, finding the law regulates professional conduct rather than pure speech