Supreme Court Rejects Colorado Law Banning ‘Conversion Therapy’ for L.G.B.T.Q. Minors
Supreme Court Strikes Down Colorado's Conversion Therapy Ban. The Legal Questions Continue.
What Happened
The Supreme Court rejected Colorado's law that banned conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors. This ruling affects legal protections for minors in Colorado and potentially influences similar laws in other states.
Historical Context
Twenty-one states plus D.C. have banned conversion therapy for minors as of 2024. Court challenges to these bans have had mixed results - some upheld (California 2014, New Jersey 2013), others struck down. The legal landscape on this issue has been evolving since Massachusetts became the first state to consider such legislation in 2012. The American Psychological Association has opposed conversion therapy since 1998, calling it ineffective and potentially harmful.
What's In Your Control
Whether you support organizations that provide affirming mental health resources. How you vote in local and state elections where such policies are decided. Whether you stay informed about your state's current laws on this issue.
Does This Require Action?
If you're a parent of an LGBTQ+ minor in Colorado: understanding what mental health resources are available. If you're in other states with similar laws: awareness that legal challenges may affect local protections. For most readers: this is a legal development to be aware of, not an immediate personal crisis.
Source: NY Times
