04/01/2026
Yesterday, in an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that CO’s ban on conversion therapy likely violates the First Amendment. While the ruling doesn’t immediately strike down the law, it sends the case back to lower courts under a legal standard the ban is unlikely to survive. This opens the door for conversion therapy bans across the country to be challenged and overturned.
We know that conversion therapy has been rejected by every major mental health association in the country and we know that it is harmful, ineffective, and dangerous practice. Here in NY, our community fought for a conversion therapy ban and won it in 2019. This ruling puts protections like these at risk nationwide. Conversion therapy survivors can still fight back through consumer fraud and medical malpractice law, and if you or someone you know needs support, Prism is here for you. Reach out to us anytime.
GLMA noted, "By treating conversion therapy as protected speech rather than regulated professional conduct, the Court’s decision introduces new barriers for states seeking to enforce standards of care and safeguard LGBTQ+ youth from discredited and dangerous interventions."
The sole dissenter, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, made clear the dangers of this ruling and the widespread effects it might have. Jackson stated, "Ultimately, because the majority plays with fire in this case, I fear that the people of this country will get burned... [they] appear to have made this momentous decision without adequately grappling with the potential long-term and disastrous implications of this ruling. The fallout could be catastrophic.”
We at Prism stand with Justice Jackson, with the long withstanding evidence against conversion therapy, and above all else, with our community. To those we serve, to everyone in our community, we are so sorry that our institutions continue to target us for harm.
No matter what, we'll be here. We love you all.
