Uphold Colorado's Ban on Harmful Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ+ Youth

I am writing to express my deep concern about the upcoming Supreme Court case, Chiles v. Salazar, set to be heard on October 7, 2025. This case challenges Colorado's 2019 ban on conversion therapy for minors and could have devastating consequences for LGBTQ+ youth across our nation if the ban is struck down. Conversion therapy has never been proven effective and instead causes significant harm to LGBTQ+ individuals, especially vulnerable youth. It's crucial to understand that a person's gender identity and sexual orientation cannot be intentionally changed through therapy or other means. This practice is not only ineffective but also dangerous, increasing the risk of suicide and severe mental health issues among LGBTQ+ youth. The case brought by Kaley Chiles, a licensed counselor in Colorado, argues that the ban violates First Amendment rights. However, this framing mischaracterizes the nature of the law. Colorado's ban, like those in 24 other states and D.C., regulates professional conduct to protect minors from a harmful and discredited practice. It does not suppress speech but rather prevents licensed professionals from engaging in damaging behavior under the guise of therapy. Strikingly, Colorado's ban has garnered support from unexpected allies, including conservative Catholic therapists, evangelical educators, and former leaders of the "ex-gay" movement. This broad coalition recognizes the dangers of conversion therapy and the importance of protecting LGBTQ+ youth. A decision against Colorado's ban could embolden efforts to recast anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination as protected speech, potentially dismantling crucial protections for LGBTQ+ individuals nationwide. The consequences of such a ruling would be far-reaching and devastating, potentially affecting similar bans in other states and leaving countless LGBTQ+ youth vulnerable to this harmful practice. I urge you to publicly support Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors and to advocate for the protection of LGBTQ+ youth. As we await the Supreme Court's decision by June 2026, it is crucial that our elected officials stand firmly on the side of science, compassion, and the well-being of all young people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Please use your platform and influence to defend these vital protections and ensure that LGBTQ+ youth are safeguarded from the dangers of conversion therapy.