Supreme Court will hear challenge to Colorado conversion therapy ban

Axios, By Avery Lotz, on Mar 10, 2025

https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/supreme-court-conversion-therapy-challenge

In Colorado, a legal challenge is underway against a state ban on gender conversion therapy for minors. The case centers on Christian counselor Kaylee Charles, who argues that the state's prohibition of conversion therapy infringes on her free speech rights. The law, House Bill 19-1129, which came into effect in 2019, was designed to protect minors from potentially harmful practices that aim to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The case raises the question of whether this ban is a form of forced religious indoctrination or a necessary measure to protect vulnerable children.

AJ and Infidel 64 discussed the issue, with AJ expressing the view that conversion therapy is not about free speech, as counselors are free to discuss various topics but should not force clients to conform to specific beliefs. Infidel emphasized the harm caused by conversion therapy, likening it to other forms of medical malpractice. Both agreed that such therapy is rooted in religious ideologies, and it’s crucial to consider the potential harm to children, particularly when families pressure minors into undergoing conversion therapy.

AJ highlighted that conversion therapy is banned in some states but remains legal in others, underscoring the need for broader protections. Infidel and AJ both pointed out that conversion therapy is primarily associated with religious organizations and driven by conservative ideologies that often reject the validity of LGBTQ+ identities. Infidel further criticized the conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court, expressing concern that their stance on issues like same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights could jeopardize the progress made in protecting these communities.

Infidel concluded by emphasizing the scientific consensus against conversion therapy, which has been shown to harm LGBTQ+ youth and increase mental health risks, including suicide. Both agreed that conversion therapy should be banned and that the focus should be on supporting LGBTQ+ individuals' identities to promote their well-being.

The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.12.1 featuring Jimmy Jr., AJ, and Infidel64.

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