Conversion Therapy Legal Challenges
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach demanded on July 29, 2026, that three Kansas cities repeal their local bans on conversion therapy for minors, citing the U.S. Supreme Court's March 31, 2026, ruling in Chiles v. Salazar, which requires stricter First Amendment scrutiny for such bans. As of July 29, 2026, legal challenges and legislative responses to conversion therapy bans are rapidly evolving across the U.S. and internationally following the Supreme Court's decision. The ruling has led to the revival of lawsuits challenging bans in Missouri and Kansas, and a federal appeals court reversed a lower court's decision protecting counselors' free speech rights in Missouri. Conversely, Colorado enacted a new law on July 1, 2026, allowing individuals harmed by conversion therapy to sue mental health professionals without a statute of limitations, and the Netherlands criminalized conversion therapy with penalties including fines or imprisonment.
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July 2026 — 5 developments
Kansas AG Demands Repeal of Local Conversion Therapy Bans Following Supreme Court Ruling
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has demanded that three Kansas cities repeal their local bans on conversion therapy for minors, citing the U.S. Supreme Court's March 31, 2026, ruling in Chiles v. Salazar. The ruling requires stricter First Amendment scrutiny for such bans, viewing certain provisions as viewpoint-based speech regulations.
Plaintiffs Appeal Conversion Therapy Ban Injunction Denial in Missouri
Plaintiffs have appealed a district court's denial of a preliminary injunction against two Missouri municipalities that prohibit conversion therapy with minors. This appeal will be reconsidered in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's March 31, 2026, decision in Chiles v. Salazar.
New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act May Apply to Conversion Therapy Cases Post-Supreme Court Ruling
In New Jersey, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Chiles v. Salazar may open new legal avenues for individuals to file claims under the state's Consumer Fraud Act against mental health professionals involved in conversion therapy.
Federal Appeals Court Reverses Ruling Against Christian Counselors in Conversion Therapy Case
A federal appeals court reversed a lower court's decision against two licensed Christian counselors in Missouri, protecting their free speech rights in light of the Supreme Court's ruling in *Chiles v. Salazar*. The Missouri ordinances had prohibited counselors from engaging in talk therapy with minors seeking to address unwanted same-sex attraction or confusion over their sexual identity. This reversal follows the Supreme Court's March 31, 2026, decision that found Colorado's ban unconstitutional.
Appeals Court Revives Lawsuit Challenging Conversion Therapy Bans
The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals revived a lawsuit challenging conversion therapy bans in Kansas City and Jackson County. The court cited the Supreme Court's decision in *Chiles v. Salazar*, indicating it may reconsider its prior dismissal of the case. This ruling follows the Supreme Court's finding that a similar Colorado law violated the First Amendment.
June 2026 — 4 developments
Colorado Governor Signs Law Allowing Conversion Therapy Lawsuits Without Statute of Limitations
Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a new law on July 1, 2026, enabling individuals harmed by conversion therapy to sue mental health professionals without a statute of limitations. This action follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors. The governor also issued an executive order to prevent state funding for conversion therapy.
UK Government Introduces Bill to Criminalize Conversion Therapy
The UK government has introduced the draft Conversion Practices Bill to criminalize conversion therapy. Perpetrators could face up to five years in prison and unlimited fines under the proposed legislation. This bill aims to protect individuals from abusive practices intended to change or suppress their LGBT+ identity.
California and Colorado Advance New Laws Following Supreme Court Conversion Therapy Ruling
California lawmakers are advancing SB 934 to allow survivors to pursue civil justice through malpractice lawsuits, while Colorado has enacted a new law effective July 1st permitting individuals to sue mental health professionals for harm caused by conversion therapy without a statute of limitations. The Netherlands has also passed a law criminalizing conversion therapy, imposing fines and potential imprisonment.
Netherlands Bans Conversion Therapy for Minors and Vulnerable Adults
The Netherlands has enacted legislation prohibiting conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults, with penalties including fines or imprisonment for violations. This development follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on March 31, 2026, which struck down a Colorado ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors.
May 2026 — 4 developments
Kansas City Repeals Conversion Therapy Ban Following Supreme Court Ruling
A conversion therapy ban in Kansas City was repealed on May 22, 2026, following pressure from Christian counselors and the Missouri Attorney General, partly in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's March 31, 2026, ruling. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups fear this decision could jeopardize similar bans nationwide.
Wisconsin Conversion Therapy Ban Faces Lawsuit After Board Refusal
The Wisconsin professional licensing board has refused to rescind its standards concerning conversion therapy, leading the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) to file a lawsuit. WILL argues that the state's policy violates therapists' constitutional rights, drawing parallels to a Colorado statute previously questioned by the U.S. Supreme Court. Advocates anticipate the lawsuit will not succeed, citing state laws empowering professions to set their own conduct codes.
Wisconsin Lawsuit Filed Against Conversion Therapy Practices
A lawsuit was filed in Wisconsin on May 12, 2026, concerning conversion therapy practices. This action follows the Supreme Court's ruling against Colorado's ban, which cited First Amendment concerns.
US Supreme Court ruling on conversion therapy expected to impact state laws
The US Supreme Court's March 2026 ruling on conversion therapy is expected to render similar state laws unenforceable, as it was sent back for review under strict scrutiny. In response, Colorado lawmakers are pursuing a new bill to reframe conversion therapy as harmful professional conduct, enabling victims to sue providers.
April 2026 — 2 developments
Colorado Lawmakers Introduce New Bill to Ban Conversion Therapy
Colorado lawmakers have introduced House Bill 26-1322 to ban conversion therapy, classifying it as harmful professional conduct to bypass free speech concerns raised by the Supreme Court. This new legislation would allow victims to sue providers for damages without a statute of limitations.
Colorado House advances bill allowing conversion therapy lawsuits after Supreme Court ruling
Colorado's House has advanced a bill allowing individuals harmed by conversion therapy to sue therapists, following the Supreme Court's ruling that the state's ban likely violates free speech protections. The Supreme Court's 8-1 decision in Chiles v. Salazar stated that talk therapy is protected speech, sending the case back for further review.
March 2026 — 2 developments
Mental Health Organizations Express Concern Over Supreme Court Conversion Therapy Ruling
Mental Health America and The Trevor Project have expressed concern over the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in *Chiles v. Salazar*, stating that conversion therapy is an unethical, inaccurate, and harmful practice linked to increased rates of suicide attempts, anxiety, and depression.
Supreme Court rules Colorado conversion therapy ban needs strict scrutiny review
The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in Chiles v. Salazar that Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors must be reviewed under strict scrutiny for potential First Amendment free speech violations. The majority opinion, authored by Justice Gorsuch, stated that the Colorado law regulates speech based on viewpoint. The case has been remanded to lower courts for this stricter review.
January 2026 — 5 developments
Supreme Court Considers Chiles v. Salazar Case on Conversion Therapy
Survivor 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.
The Trevor Project releases new docuseries episode featuring conversion therapy survivors
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.
Colorado Law Banning Conversion Therapy for Minors Excludes Clergy and Permits Supportive Therapy
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.
Experts discuss conversion therapy ban future at Roosevelt House amid Supreme Court case
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.
Colorado lawmakers pass new bill to protect LGBTQ+ youth from conversion therapy
Colorado lawmakers have passed HB26-1322, a new bill designed to protect LGBTQ+ minors from conversion therapy. The legislation aims to be 'viewpoint-neutral,' prohibiting licensed mental health professionals from steering minors toward any predetermined outcome related to sexual orientation or gender identity. Supporters believe this revision addresses the Court's constitutional concerns and preserves protections.
October 2025 — 4 developments
Supreme Court to Rule on Colorado Conversion Therapy Ban by Summer 2026
A 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.
Supreme Court Justices Skeptical of Colorado's Conversion Therapy Ban
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.
U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar
The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the case of Chiles v. Salazar.
Alliance Defending Freedom accused of misrepresenting research in conversion therapy arguments
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.
September 2025 — 1 developments
Kaley Chiles argues Colorado conversion therapy ban violates First Amendment rights
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.
August 2025 — 4 developments
Freedom From Religion Foundation Files Amicus Brief Supporting Colorado Conversion Therapy Ban
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.
Korematsu Center files amicus brief urging Supreme Court to uphold Colorado's conversion therapy ban
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.
Constitutional Accountability Center files amicus brief supporting Colorado's conversion therapy ban
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.
Patty Salazar and respondents file brief on merits with Supreme Court
Respondents, including Patty Salazar, file their brief on the merits with the Supreme Court.
June 2025 — 1 developments
Kaley Chiles files merits brief with Supreme Court
Petitioner Kaley Chiles files her brief on the merits with the Supreme Court.
March 2025 — 1 developments
U.S. Supreme Court Grants Certiorari to Hear Professional Speech Case
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.
November 2024 — 1 developments
Kaley Chiles Appeals to Supreme Court, Files Petition for Writ of Certiorari
Kaley Chiles appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court, filing a petition for a writ of certiorari.
September 2024 — 1 developments
U.S. Court of Appeals affirms Colorado's right to regulate conversion therapy
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.
May 2024 — 1 developments
European Commission to Ask EU Nations to Outlaw Gay Conversion Therapy
The European Commission has announced its intention to request that all European Union nations outlaw gay conversion therapy. This follows a draft bill in England and Wales that would criminalize abusive conversion practices with potential penalties of up to five years in prison.
September 2022 — 1 developments
Kaley Chiles files lawsuit challenging MCTL as First Amendment violation
Kaley 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.
January 2022 — 1 developments
U.S. District Court denies Chiles' injunction motion, rules MCTL regulates professional conduct
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.
January 2019 — 1 developments
Colorado Passes Law Banning Conversion Therapy for Minors
Colorado passes the Minor Conversion Therapy Law (MCTL), prohibiting licensed mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with clients under 18.