Conversion Therapy Supreme Court Case (Chiles v. Salazar)
The case of Chiles v. Salazar concerns the constitutionality of Colorado's Minor Conversion Therapy Law (MCTL), which bans licensed mental health professionals from performing conversion therapy on minors. Kaley Chiles, a licensed counselor, challenged the law, arguing it violates her First Amendment rights to free speech and free exercise of religion. Lower courts upheld the ban, and the case is now pending adjudication before the U.S. Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments on October 7, 2025.
Timeline
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Track this story2026
4 updates
2026
4 updatesSurvivor stories have emerged, detailing the negative mental health outcomes of conversion therapy as the Supreme Court considers the Chiles v. Salazar case. A ruling in the case is anticipated in the spring or summer.
via advocate.com
The Trevor Project released the third episode of its docuseries 'Sharing Space,' featuring discussions with six conversion therapy survivors. This release coincides with the Supreme Court's deliberation on the Chiles v. Salazar case.
The Colorado law banning conversion therapy for minors, which is being challenged in the Supreme Court, specifically does not apply to clergy or religious counselors and permits supportive therapy.
via advocate.com
Medical and policy experts gathered at Roosevelt House to discuss the future of conversion therapy bans in the US, prompted by the ongoing Supreme Court case.
2025
11 updates
2025
11 updatesA ruling in the Chiles v. Salazar Supreme Court case, concerning Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors, is anticipated by the summer of 2026.
via glaad.org
During the oral arguments on October 7, 2025, a majority of the Supreme Court justices appeared skeptical of Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors, suggesting the ban might discriminate based on viewpoints.
The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the case of Chiles v. Salazar.
via en.wikipedia.org·ballotpedia.org·law.cornell.edu·theusconstitution.org·oyez.org
The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), representing Kaley Chiles, has been accused of misrepresenting research by academics they cited in their arguments against state bans on conversion therapy for minors.
via advocate.com
The petitioner, Kaley Chiles, a licensed counselor, argues that the Colorado ban on conversion therapy for minors violates her First Amendment rights by regulating therapy as speech.
via advocate.com
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) filed an amicus brief on August 26, 2025, in the Chiles v. Salazar Supreme Court case, challenging a Colorado law banning conversion therapy for minors. The brief supports the ban.
via ffrf.org
The Korematsu Center for Law and Equality at UC Irvine School of Law filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors.
via law.uci.edu
The Constitutional Accountability Center (CAC) files an amicus brief in the Supreme Court in support of Colorado, arguing that the ban on conversion therapy for children is constitutional.
via en.wikipedia.org·thetrevorproject.org·law.cornell.edu·coloradopolitics.com·apa.org
Respondents, including Patty Salazar, file their brief on the merits with the Supreme Court.
via ballotpedia.org·en.wikipedia.org·oyez.org·theusconstitution.org·scotusblog.com
Petitioner Kaley Chiles files her brief on the merits with the Supreme Court.
via ballotpedia.org·en.wikipedia.org·oyez.org·theusconstitution.org·scotusblog.com
The U.S. Supreme Court grants certiorari, agreeing to hear the case and signaling an intent to address constitutional questions surrounding the regulation of professional speech and the balance between state regulatory power and free speech rights.
via en.wikipedia.org·ballotpedia.org·law.cornell.edu·theusconstitution.org·oyez.org
2024
2 updates
2024
2 updatesKaley Chiles appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court, filing a petition for a writ of certiorari.
via en.wikipedia.org·ballotpedia.org·law.cornell.edu·theusconstitution.org·oyez.org
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit affirms the lower court's ruling, agreeing that Colorado is entitled to regulate professional conduct and citing evidence of the harms conversion therapy can cause minors.
via en.wikipedia.org·ballotpedia.org·law.cornell.edu·theusconstitution.org·oyez.org
2022
2 updates
2022
2 updatesKaley Chiles files a pre-enforcement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, challenging the MCTL as a violation of her First Amendment rights and seeking a preliminary injunction.
via en.wikipedia.org·ballotpedia.org·law.cornell.edu·theusconstitution.org·oyez.org
The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado denies Chiles' motion for a preliminary injunction, concluding that the MCTL regulates professional conduct rather than therapists' speech.
via en.wikipedia.org·ballotpedia.org·law.cornell.edu·theusconstitution.org·oyez.org
2019
1 update
2019
1 updateColorado passes the Minor Conversion Therapy Law (MCTL), prohibiting licensed mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with clients under 18.
via en.wikipedia.org·ballotpedia.org·law.cornell.edu·theusconstitution.org·oyez.org
Story began · 6 years, 10 mo ago