SCOTUS Strikes Colorado Conversion Therapy Ban
Key Questions
What was the Supreme Court's ruling in the Colorado conversion therapy ban case?
In an 8-1 decision, the Court struck down Colorado's ban on conversion therapy, ruling it unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination on free speech grounds. The case was Chiles v. Salazar.
Who dissented in the Supreme Court decision and what was their position?
Justice Jackson dissented, expressing puzzlement over 'medical freedom' arguments in the majority opinion by Justice Gorsuch.
What are the implications for other states' conversion therapy bans?
Illinois' ban remains intact post-ruling, but advocates fear future challenges; it threatens similar laws in Maryland and elsewhere, highlighting the Court's tilt toward speech over healthcare restrictions.
8-1 ruling (Gorsuch maj, Jackson dissent) voids ban on free speech/viewpoint discrimination grounds (Chiles v. Salazar remand puzzled by 'medical freedom'); IL ban intact but advocates wary of challenges, threatens MD/other laws, underscores court speech/healthcare tilt.