Supreme Court to Hear Conversion Therapy Ban

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBT Politics

WASHINGTON, D.C. — (October 6, 2025) — The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Tuesday in Chiles v. Salazar, a case that could determine whether states can continue banning LGBTQ+ conversion therapy for minors.

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At the heart of the dispute is Colorado’s 2019 law, which prohibits licensed counselors from attempting to “change” a young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through therapy or talk treatment. More than 20 states maintain similar protections for LGBTQ+ youth.

The Case and the Challenge

Colorado counselor Kaley Chiles, represented by the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), claims the law violates her First Amendment right to free speech. Her team argues she should be allowed to “assist clients with their stated goals,” including reducing same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria.

ADF’s Chief Counsel Jim Campbell told Newsweek the state is “censoring private conversations.” However, LGBTQ+ advocates and medical experts say that what ADF calls “conversation” is a discredited and dangerous practice that has driven countless young people to depression and suicide attempts. [1]

Why This Matters for LGBTQ Youth

According to a 2020 study by The Trevor Project, minors who underwent conversion therapy were more than twice as likely to attempt suicide and 2.5 times more likely to make multiple attempts compared to those who did not. [2]
Medical bodies including the American Psychiatric Association and American Medical Association have formally condemned the practice, citing no scientific basis and substantial psychological harm.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser defended the ban, telling JRL CHARTS via statement:

“No amount of talk or pressure can make a gay person not gay or a trans person not transgender. Licensed therapists should not use their authority to push an agenda that endangers kids and families.”

Legal Experts Weigh In

Legal analysts warn that a broad First Amendment ruling could jeopardize state oversight of licensed professionals in general. USC law professor David Cruz said that treating talk-based therapy as pure speech could “undermine the entire framework of professional regulation.” [3]

Similarly, University of Cincinnati professor Ryan Thoreson told Newsweek that the Court’s recent pattern of favoring religious speech claims could spell trouble for LGBTQ protections. “The Court has been consistently solicitous toward free speech arguments from conservative litigants — even when those claims erode laws that safeguard queer people,” he said. [4]

A Battle for Survival and Dignity

For LGBTQ+ advocates, Chiles v. Salazar is about more than state law — it’s a test of America’s commitment to science, safety, and equality.

“Conversion therapy is torture by another name,” said Jennifer Levi, senior director at GLAD Law. “It preys on vulnerable kids and tells them they’re broken. We can’t let that message come from our highest court.”

What Happens Next

Oral arguments begin October 7, with a ruling expected later this term. If the Court strikes down Colorado’s ban, the decision could set a national precedent undermining LGBTQ+ youth protections from California to New York.

Footnotes

[1] Alliance Defending Freedom press statements, September 2025.
[2] The Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2020.
[3] Interview with Prof. David Cruz, USC Gould School of Law, October 2025.
[4] Interview with Prof. Ryan Thoreson, University of Cincinnati College of Law, October 2025.

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