The Supreme Court is currently examining a pivotal First Amendment case involving a Colorado law that bans the practice of conversion therapy for minors with gender identity or sexual orientation concerns. The case, which pits free speech rights against LGBTQ+ protections, has drawn significant public and political attention. At the heart of the dispute is licensed counselor Kaley Chiles, who argues that the law infringes on her freedom of speech and religious exercise by prohibiting faith-based counseling that she claims is essential for guiding young people in reconciling their identities with their beliefs.
The court’s conservative majority, including Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Samuel Alito, expressed skepticism about the law’s constitutionality, suggesting it may represent a double standard. However, other justices, such as Sonia Sot, emphasized the state’s role in protecting minors from harmful practices, citing the consensus of medical professionals that conversion therapy is ineffective and potentially damaging. The case highlights the broader tension between private religious speech and public health mandates, as the court weighs the limits of free expression versus the rights of minors to access therapeutic care.
The case also underscores the polarized political context, with 187 House and Senate Democrats supporting the law alongside major mental health organizations, while groups like the Family Research Council and the Trump Justice Department have backed Chiles. The court’s eventual decision could have far-reaching implications for future legislation on similar issues. The ruling is expected by early summer 2026, marking a defining moment for the current justices and the broader debate over free speech, religious liberty, and the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals.