Supreme Court weighs bans on conversion therapy for minors
On Oct. 7, 2025 the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a challenge to Colorado’s 2019 law that bans so‑called conversion therapy for minors. Plaintiff Kaley Chiles, represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom and backed by the Trump administration’s position, argues the statute violates her First Amendment free‑speech rights; Colorado argues the law is a regulation of licensed‑therapy practice aimed at stopping harmful, scientifically discredited treatments. The outcome could determine the fate of similar bans in nearly half of U.S. states and reshape regulation of counseling for LGBTQ+ youth nationwide.
Legal
Civil Rights
📌 Key Facts
- Supreme Court heard oral arguments on October 7, 2025 in a case challenging Colorado’s 2019 ban on conversion therapy for minors.
- Plaintiff: Kaley Chiles (Christian counselor), represented by Alliance Defending Freedom; Colorado defends the law as a health‑care regulation.
- Penalties under the Colorado law include fines up to $5,000 and potential suspension or revocation of a therapist’s license; the law exempts religious ministries and has not produced sanctions to date.