Supreme Court Strikes Down Colorado Conversion Therapy Law

In a significant ruling that may affect similar laws across the U.S., the Supreme Court decided by an 8-1 margin, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissenting, that Colorado’s prohibition on conversion therapy for minors is unconstitutional.

The case, Chiles v. Salazar, has generated a mix of responses from think tanks, politicians, and media figures. Some view it as a troubling development while others see it as a necessary protection.

One notable response came from Blaze News, where Matt Walsh criticized Jackson’s dissent, labeling her an “unfit” and “unhinged” jurist.

However, others celebrated the decision, calling it a win for those who oppose what they term gender ideology.

Terry Schilling, executive director of the American Principles Project, remarked that the Court’s ruling represents a crucial victory for religious individuals, parents, and children who are deemed vulnerable. He argued that parents in Colorado are eager to protect their children from what he perceives as progressive extremism.

Ashley McGuire, a senior fellow at the Catholic Association, also commended the decision, saying it safeguards the rights of therapists while addressing the needs of children and parental beliefs.

The crux of the case revolves around the First Amendment. It does not consider the effectiveness or morality of conversion therapy itself but highlights how the law compelled counselors to adopt a particular viewpoint regarding minor patients exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Commentator Daniel Horowitz shared his astonishment that it took so long for fundamental rights to be affirmed, arguing that it’s perplexing that conversations about natural sexuality could be legally constrained, while other physical interventions remain permissible.

On the other hand, Democratic leaders criticized the ruling. California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed disappointment, describing conversion therapy as “discredited junk science” that poses risks to vulnerable LGBTQ youth.

Interestingly, some social media users noted the irony in the timing of the decision, which was announced on March 31, otherwise known as Transgender Visibility Day.