A Supreme Court case challenging Colorado’s conversion therapy ban could weaken protections for LGBTQ+ youth in West Hollywood and across California. SCOTUS on Tuesday appeared ready to side with a Christian therapist challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors—a case that could impact similar laws in over 20 states, including California. For many in West Hollywood—especially survivors of conversion therapy—the case cuts deep. California has banned the practice for licensed professionals since 2012, but the Court’s decision could challenge that protection.
At the heart of the case is whether licensed talk therapy aimed at changing a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity is protected speech. Colorado says the law targets unsafe medical conduct. But Kaley Chiles, the therapist bringing the case, says the law censors her words—and that violates the First Amendment.
During arguments, the Court’s conservative majority questioned whether the law unfairly favors one viewpoint over another. Justice Alito called the law “blatant viewpoint discrimination.” Chief Justice Roberts added that just because therapists perform conduct doesn’t mean their speech isn’t protected.
The case has national implications. A ruling against Colorado could jeopardize other health-related speech regulations—and raise fears among LGBTQ+ advocates that states could move to allow or even require so-called “talk therapy” that tries to suppress or erase queer and trans identities.
The court won’t rule until 2026 but may send the case back to lower courts to reevaluate under stricter free speech standards.
So tragic that parents will demand their queer child “convert”, despite their genetic predisposition, but won’t try to convert their own homophobic beliefs. Beliefs can be changed – genetics cannot.
Conversion from what to what? We are who and what we are from the second we are conceived. Medical science needs to confirm this...because I know they know!