The Supreme Court of the United States has opted to take on a challenge to Colorado’s conversion therapy ban on minors, which could potentially affect efforts within Ohio to ban the discredited practice.
The case is centered around a conversion therapist, Kaley Chiles, claiming that the law is unconstitutional because it regulates “consensual conversations based on the viewpoints they express,” in violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution’s free speech clause. Chiles’ legal representation is Alliance Defending Freedom, which is designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
A decision from SCOTUS is expected in 2026. If Colorado’s ban is ruled unconstitutional, the decision would jeopardize bans already in place.
The challenge to Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy was first brought in September 2022. However, the law was upheld last year by the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in a 2-1 decision.
Conversion therapy, sometimes called reparative therapy or reintegrative therapy, is a set of widely condemned practices designed to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Every major medical and psychological organization has said that conversion therapy both doesn’t work and does actual harm – like increasing anxiety, depression and suicidality.
Thirteen municipalities in Ohio, both big and small, have banned conversion therapy on minors. Those municipalities cover over 25% of Ohio’s population.
In 2015, Cincinnati became the first city in the country to outlaw conversion therapy, following the suicide of 17-year-old Leelah Alcorn.
Alcorn’s parents refused to accept her gender identity and sent her to Christian-based conversion therapy. In her suicide note, Alcorn wrote: “The only way I will rest in peace is if one day transgender people aren’t treated the way I was; they’re treated like humans, with valid feelings and human rights… My death needs to mean something.”
Just a few weeks ago, the Columbus suburb of Westerville became the latest municipality to ban conversion therapy.
Ohio Senate Bill 71, sponsored by Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Sen. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) was introduced in February with the goal of ending conversion therapy on minors throughout the state. The bill is currently in the Senate Health Committee and waiting on a hearing.
LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have implored the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Colorado’s ban.
LOVEboldly, an Ohio faith-based nonprofit that helps LGBTQ+ Christians thrive, said in a statement that they “categorically [reject] the idea and use of conversion ‘therapy.’”
“We believe God creates LGBTQ+ people just as they are and does not require them to change their sexual orientation, deny their gender transition or detransition,” the statement said. “LOVEboldly implores the U.S. Supreme Court to rule for the state and to uphold bans on the practice of conversion ‘therapy.’”
The efforts to allow conversion therapy on minors are part of a wider push “to erase LGBTQ+ people,” said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson in a statement.
“The Supreme Court’s decision to take up this case isn’t just about so-called ‘conversion therapy’ – it’s about whether extremists can use our courts to push their dangerous agenda,” Robinson said.
State Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery) was previously quoted in 2023 as delivering a sermon that supported conversion therapy. The Buckeye Flame reached out to his office for comment but did not receive a response. 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- The Buckeye Flame’s Ohio LGBTQ+ legislation guide for 2025 can be found here.
- If you are a young LGBTQ+ person in crisis, please contact the Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor.
- If you are an transgender adult in need of immediate help, contact the National Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
- To register to vote or to check your voter eligibility status in the state of Ohio, click here.
- To find contact information for your Ohio state representative, click here.
- To find contact information for your Ohio state senator, click here.
Know an LGBTQ+ Ohio story we should cover? TELL US!
Submit a story!
