Supreme Court to Hear Chiles Conversion Therapy Case

The Supreme Court will hear Chiles v. Salazar, a challenge by Colorado counselor Kaley Chiles to the state’s 2019 ban on licensed providers using so‑called conversion therapy on minors; Chiles says the law violates her First Amendment free‑speech rights. Colorado says the statute regulates professional conduct—not protected speech—to protect children from a discredited practice that major medical groups link to higher rates of depression, PTSD and suicide. Lower courts are split over whether such counseling is speech or conduct, making the case likely to resolve a key First Amendment question and affect similar laws nationwide. Chiles is backed by the Alliance Defending Freedom and has support from the Trump administration; a ruling for her could jeopardize bans in more than 20 states. The law exempts religious ministers, permits supportive identity‑exploration therapy, and Colorado says it has not disciplined Chiles while violations can bring fines and licensing penalties.