Supreme Court Rules 8-1 on Colorado Conversion Therapy Law

U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in Chiles v. Salazar on a Colorado law that regulates conversion therapy. The decision classified aspects of the practice as protected speech under the First Amendment.

Colorado enacted the statute to restrict licensed mental health professionals from providing conversion therapy to minors. The law defined conversion therapy as efforts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Chiles, a licensed counselor, challenged the statute after state regulators indicated it would apply to her practice.

The majority opinion held that the restrictions implicated free speech protections rather than solely professional conduct regulations. The ruling reverses the lower court's decision that had upheld the Colorado statute. State officials have not yet stated whether they will seek further review or modify enforcement of the law.

Families and advocacy groups on both sides of the issue have indicated they will monitor how licensing boards apply the decision in individual cases.