An Update on Conversion Therapy Case Before the Supreme Court

On March 9, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review Chiles v. Salazar to rule on the constitutionality of Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors during the 2025-2026 term. The case was filed by a licensed counselor in Colorado on the grounds that the law violates her First Amendment rights to free speech and to freely exercise her religion. The court will hear oral arguments in the fall of 2025 and will likely release an opinion in the early summer of 2026. (For more information see here).

In August, ACA collaborated with the American Psychological Association (APA); the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive identities (SAIGE), a division of ACA; and other key stakeholders to file an amicus brief in the case. The brief outlines our argument that states have the right to ban conversion therapy, including that:

• Conversion therapy is a dangerous and discredited practice
• Psychotherapy is more than simply ‘talking’ — it is a medical treatment and therefore can be regulated by states
• Conversation therapy can fuel stigma and discrimination toward the LGBTQ+ community

Through this filing, ACA reaffirms its commitment to supporting policies that protect clients, uphold professional standards and advance the integrity of the counseling profession.

We respectfully urge the Supreme Court to uphold Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy and affirm the authority of states to protect the health, safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals by prohibiting this harmful practice.

Additionally, Sen. Michael Bennet (DCO), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), Rep. Ted Lieu (DCA), and 184 other members of Congress have also filed an amicus brief in the case, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors. The Congressional brief argues that such bans on conversion therapy are constitutional because it regulates professional conduct, not freedom of speech. The brief notes that 27 other states currently prohibit or restrict subjecting minors to conversion therapy.

For questions or to learn more about ACA’s advocacy efforts, please contact us at advocacy@counseling.org.