Colorado Updates Conversion Therapy Ban

By: Paul Goldberg – Senior Correspondent | LGBT Politics USA

DENVER, CO — (May 24, 2026) — Lawmakers in Colorado have approved sweeping new legislation designed to preserve protections for LGBTQ+ youth against conversion therapy practices following the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Chiles v. Salazar.

House Bill 26-1322 passed through the Colorado General Assembly this week and now heads to Governor Jared Polis’ desk for final approval. The legislation updates Colorado’s long-standing conversion therapy ban in response to constitutional concerns raised by the Supreme Court while also expanding legal protections for survivors seeking accountability against licensed mental health professionals.

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The measure comes amid growing national debate over LGBTQ+ rights, youth mental health protections, and the legal boundaries surrounding therapy practices aimed at changing a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Colorado Revises Law Following Supreme Court Guidance

News-style editorial graphic featuring Colorado’s HB26-1322 legislation strengthening LGBTQ youth protections and expanding accountability for conversion therapy practices.

Colorado’s HB26-1322 legislation expands legal protections for LGBTQ+ youth while strengthening accountability measures tied to conversion therapy practices. | JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics USA

Supporters of the legislation say the revised statute directly addresses First Amendment concerns outlined by the Supreme Court in its March 31 ruling.

Under the updated law, licensed therapists are prohibited from steering minors toward any predetermined sexual orientation or gender identity outcome, regardless of direction. Lawmakers argue the revision creates a viewpoint-neutral standard focused on professional conduct rather than speech.

Advocates say the change preserves Colorado’s prohibition against conversion therapy while aligning the statute with constitutional standards identified by the Court.

Trevor Project Warns About Mental Health Risks

The Trevor Project praised the legislation and warned that conversion therapy continues to pose serious risks to LGBTQ+ youth mental health.

According to the organization’s 2024 “50 State Report,” 41% of LGBTQ+ youth in Colorado reported seriously considering suicide in the past year, while 14% said they had been threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy practices.

Casey Pick, Senior Director of Law and Policy at The Trevor Project, said the legislation sends a clear signal that harmful therapy practices targeting LGBTQ+ youth will continue to face legal scrutiny.

The organization also cited research showing LGBTQ+ youth exposed to conversion therapy are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to peers who were not subjected to such practices.

Expanded Legal Rights for Survivors

Beyond revising the state’s conversion therapy ban, HB26-1322 also extends the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims tied to conversion therapy practices.

Supporters argue that many survivors require years — and in some cases decades — to fully process trauma linked to these experiences before pursuing legal action.

National Center for LGBTQ Rights Legal Director Shannon Minter said the legislation strengthens protections for LGBTQ+ youth while also expanding accountability for practitioners accused of causing psychological harm.

Meanwhile, One Colorado described the bill as another step toward ensuring LGBTQIA+ residents can live openly and safely throughout the state.

Medical Organizations Continue Opposition to Conversion Therapy

Every major U.S. medical and mental health organization — including the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and American Psychological Association — continues to oppose conversion therapy practices, citing research linking them to depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior.

Recent polling cited by advocates also found that a majority of Americans support banning conversion therapy practices for minors.

The Trevor Project previously reported that more than 1,300 active conversion therapy practitioners were still operating across the United States as of late 2023.

For more information on LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts in Colorado, visit One Colorado.

Additional legal resources are available through National Center for LGBTQ Rights.

JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics USA continues its coverage of LGBTQ+ legislation, mental health policy, and youth advocacy developments shaping communities across the United States and around the world.

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Paul Goldberg

Senior Correspondent at JRL CHARTS NETWORK

Paul Goldberg has been a senior editor at JRL CHARTS for more than 18 years, delivering in-depth coverage of LGBTQ politics, civil rights, and public policy across the United States, Europe, and Asia. His reporting focuses on federal court rulings, legislative developments, international human rights issues, and government actions impacting LGBTQ communities worldwide. With nearly two decades of experience, Goldberg is recognized for his balanced analysis, investigative insight, and commitment to accurate, fact-based journalism that informs readers on the political forces shaping equality and justice.