In a legal move that has drawn attention across the nation, Kaley Chiles, a licensed therapist based in Colorado Springs, has launched a lawsuit challenging the legality of Colorado’s new conversion therapy law. The law, which took effect in 2023, prohibits licensed healthcare professionals from offering conversion therapy to minors, framing it as a harmful practice that can lead to severe psychological distress. Chiles, who has been practicing therapy for over a decade, argues that the law infringes on her professional autonomy and contradicts established ethical guidelines in the field of mental health.
The lawsuit centers on the interpretation of the law’s provisions and the extent to which it restricts the rights of licensed therapists. Chiles’ legal team claims that the law’s provisions are overly broad and potentially violate the First Amendment protections of free speech and professional freedom. They argue that the law fails to differentiate between various therapeutic practices and could have a chilling effect on mental health professionals who offer services to LGBTQ+ clients.
The case has sparked a broader debate about the role of legal frameworks in regulating mental health practices. Advocacy groups and medical associations have weighed in, with some supporting the law as a necessary measure to protect vulnerable individuals, while others, including Chiles, argue that the ban is an overreach that limits patient choice and professional discretion. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for similar laws in other states and the national discussion on LGBTQ+ rights and mental health care.