Supreme Court Takes Up Conversion Therapy Free Speech Challenge

The U.S. Supreme Court will review a Christian therapist's free speech challenge to Colorado's ban on conversion therapy, which aims to change minors' sexual orientation. Kaley Chiles, a counselor, argues the law unlawfully censors her communication with clients. Colorado argues it is regulating conduct, not speech.

The U.S. Supreme Court has taken up the case of a Christian therapist who is challenging a Colorado law on free speech grounds. This law, backed by Democrats, bans conversion therapy aimed at changing a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Kaley Chiles, a licensed counselor, appealed a lower court's decision that dismissed her argument, claiming the 2019 law censors her communications. Colorado, amongst multiple states including the District of Columbia, limits or bans such practices for minors, arguing it regulates professional conduct rather than speech.

The court agreed to hear this legal battle, highlighting the ongoing tensions between LGBT rights and religious freedom. A previous similar case from Washington went unheeded by the Supreme Court in 2023, with dissent from conservative justices.