Supreme Court Appears Poised to Overturn LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy Law

A majority of Supreme Court justices appeared sympathetic Tuesday to a Christian counselor challenging state bans on LGBTQ+ “conversion therapy” for minors, suggesting the restrictions may violate her First Amendment rights.

Kaley Chiles, backed by President Donald Trump’s administration, argues that laws in Colorado and roughly half the states wrongly prohibit her from offering voluntary, faith-based counseling to children who seek it. Colorado contends its law simply regulates licensed therapists by banning a practice that major medical groups have deemed harmful and discredited.

During arguments, the court’s conservative majority questioned whether states could prohibit counseling aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity while allowing therapy that affirms LGBTQ+ identities. Justice Samuel Alito called Colorado’s law “blatant viewpoint discrimination,” echoing concerns from other conservative justices about government interference in speech.

The case marks the court’s latest test of the balance between free speech and LGBTQ+ protections. It follows the justices’ decision earlier this year upholding state bans on gender-transition medical care for minors — a major setback for transgender rights — and comes as the court prepares to hear another case involving transgender athletes.

This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.

This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.