The Supreme Court conversion therapy case that began Tuesday could redefine how states regulate counseling for LGBTQ+ minors. The justices are reviewing a challenge to Colorado’s 2019 law that forbids therapy designed to change a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Christian counselor leads free speech challenge
Kaley Chiles, a Christian therapist, filed the lawsuit with support from the Trump administration. She argues that Colorado’s law violates her First Amendment rights by stopping her from offering voluntary, faith-based therapy to minors.
Chiles says her counseling focuses on helping young clients live according to their religious beliefs. She insists the law unfairly silences her because it bans therapy for children who want to change their feelings but allows affirmation for those who identify as LGBTQ+.
“We’re not saying anyone must take this counseling,” said Jonathan Scruggs, her attorney. “But those who want it should have the choice.”
Her legal team from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) says the law discriminates against faith-based counseling and turns a conversation into a government-controlled act.
Colorado defends its right to regulate therapy
Colorado officials reject those claims. They say the law protects children from a practice that medical experts have long discredited.
“The law doesn’t silence religion,” state lawyers said. “It simply bans treatment that aims to change a minor’s identity — a treatment proven unsafe and ineffective.”
They argue that therapy is a form of health care, not just speech. The state has the duty to regulate it like any other medical practice.
Therapists who violate the ban can face fines up to $5,000 or lose their license. Religious ministries remain exempt, and no one has faced charges under the rule since it took effect.
Families share painful stories
Supporters of the ban say real lives are at stake.
Linda Robertson, a mother from Washington state, shared how her son Ryan underwent conversion therapy at age 12 after coming out as gay. The sessions crushed his self-esteem.
“He started believing God couldn’t love him,” she said. “That therapy destroyed his confidence and his relationship with us.”
Ryan later struggled with depression and died in 2009 at age 20 after a drug overdose. His story fuels advocates’ calls for the Court to uphold such laws nationwide.
Broader implications for LGBTQ+ rights
The Supreme Court conversion therapy case follows other major LGBTQ+ rulings. Earlier this year, the Court’s conservative majority upheld bans on gender-transition care for transgender minors. The decision marked a major shift in how states can restrict treatment for LGBTQ+ youth.
The justices will also hear a case this term about transgender athletes and sports participation, keeping LGBTQ+ rights at the center of the national debate.
ADF’s argument builds on two earlier victories. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that California couldn’t force anti-abortion centers to provide abortion information. And in 2023, ADF won a case for a Christian website designer who refused to work with same-sex couples.
Colorado argues that overturning its law would weaken states’ ability to regulate medical practices and protect minors from harm.
Conflicting rulings create nationwide uncertainty
Federal courts remain split. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver upheld Colorado’s ban. But the 11th Circuit in Atlanta struck down similar restrictions in Florida. That conflict pushed the Supreme Court to review the issue.
Other states have taken different paths. Wisconsin’s top court recently reinstated its ban. Virginia scaled back enforcement after reaching an agreement with a faith-based group.
The Supreme Court conversion therapy case will decide whether states can outlaw practices they consider harmful or if such bans violate free speech.
A ruling is expected by June 2026 and could set the national standard for how far states can go in regulating therapy for LGBTQ+ youth.
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