Supreme Court Strikes Down Colorado Conversion‑Therapy Ban, Prompting Legislative Rewrite

In an 8‑1 decision in Chiles v. Salazar, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Colorado's ban on conversion therapy violated a therapist's First Amendment rights, overturning the state's earlier prohibition. The ruling raised concerns among LGBTQ‑affirming groups and faith leaders, who warned that it could jeopardize similar bans in more than 20 states.

In response, Colorado lawmakers swiftly approved a rewritten ban (HB 26‑1322) designed to be "viewpoint‑neutral" while still protecting LGBTQ youth. The new language bars licensed mental‑health providers from imposing any predetermined outcome regarding a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity, regardless of direction. It also extends the statute of limitations for malpractice claims linked to conversion therapy, allowing survivors to sue decades after harm. The revised bill now awaits Governor Jared Polis's signature.

Advocates such as Shannon Minter of the National Centre for LGBTQ Rights hailed the amendment as a way to preserve protections while complying with the Court’s guidance. LGBTQ‑affirming faith organizations, however, expressed disappointment over the original ruling, citing trauma and the risk to young people.