Supreme Court Takes Up Major Case

The Supreme Court has agreed to review a case involving a Colorado therapist’s challenge to the state law that bans mental health professionals from providing conversion therapy to minors. This practice, often considered controversial, seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity to align with traditional heterosexual or cisgender norms. Kaley Chiles, a licensed therapist based in Colorado Springs, filed her challenge in 2022, arguing that the law infringes on her ability to provide counseling to individuals, particularly minors, struggling with “same-sex attractions or gender identity confusion,” especially those who choose to prioritize their faith over their feelings.

Chiles contends that the law interferes with her professional practice and infringes upon the religious and free speech rights of both her and her clients. She works exclusively with talk therapy and provides counseling to adults and minors who voluntarily seek help. Chiles explains that she works with clients who want to explore reducing or eliminating “unwanted” sexual attractions or those looking to align their gender identity with their physical body. For many of her clients, this type of therapy is deeply connected to their faith, making the state’s law a serious violation of their rights.

The Colorado law, passed in 2019, prohibits therapists from offering counseling that could be seen as attempting to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Chiles argues this ban forces her to deny services to individuals who voluntarily seek counseling that aligns with their personal beliefs and values. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and a lower district court had previously ruled against Chiles, but now, the Supreme Court will take up the case, potentially setting a significant precedent for religious freedom and the right to free speech in the realm of therapy. The case is set to be heard during the Court’s next term, beginning in October.