The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to address major religious freedom cases, including Colorado law banning so-called conversion therapy for minors, effectively restricting religious families access to biblical counseling for unwanted sexual orientation and gender identity. The 2019 Colorado law prohibits practice or treatment on minors who “attempt or assert to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity.” More than 20 states and 100 local governments have similar laws.
Kayley Chile, a licensed professional counselor in Colorado, has filed a lawsuit in federal court that alleges that the law violates her freedom of speech and religious freedom rights protected under the First Amendment. She is a Christian. Many of her clientstoo, “Seeing her help for beliefs based on shared faith and biblical worldview,” Christian said. Litigation say.
The lower courts upheld the law. The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) represents Chile.
The Supreme Court has never considered this issue.
“The government does not have a business of censoring private conversations between clients and counselors, and we should not use counselors. As a tool “We are pleased to announce that we are committed to providing a comprehensive range of services,” said Kristen Wagoner, president and legal advisor at ADF.
“There is a growing consensus around the world that adolescents experiencing gender discomfort need the opportunity to speak love and their struggles and emotions. Colorado law prohibits what's best for these children And send Clear message: The only option for children suffering from these problems is to give them experimental drugs and surgery, which are dangerous and become lifelong patients. ”
Chile claims that the law violates the rights of families. That's because she works “with voluntary clients who determine the goals they have for themselves,” the lawsuit says.
“My Chilean client is voluntarily and specifically seeking her advice as she seeks the help her perspective offers,” the lawsuit says. “But Colorado law treats her professional license as a government censorship license and prohibits her from speaking.”
Many of her clients say they are seeking Christian-based counseling to reduce or eliminate unnecessary sexual attraction, change sexual behavior, or develop experiences of harmony. [their] body. ”
This case could be heard this fall.
It is just the latest Supreme Court case at the intersection of LGBT issues and religious freedom. In this term, the judiciary is also set to hearing challenges for conflicts regarding the prohibition on gender-related health care for minors and the inclusion of LGBTQ-themed books in public schools.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Anna Moneymaker/Staff
Michael Foot For 20 years, I have covered the intersection of faith and news. His stories appear in the Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Leaf, Toronto Star, Knoxville News Sentinel.
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It was originally published on March 10th, 2025.
