Colorado's Conversion Therapy Issue

Denver, we have a problem.

Colorado just took a step backward.

The Supreme Court struck down the state’s ban on conversion therapy for minors. The Court treated it as protected speech, which is weird since it is inside “medicine”.

Conversion therapy does not work. Major medical groups have said it for years. There is no credible evidence it changes sexual orientation or gender identity.

There IS evidence of harm.

Depression, shame, self-loathing and suicide attempts.

Colorado’s law reflected that. It treated conversion therapy as a practice, not an opinion. It set a basic standard: you cannot subject minors to something that fails and causes harm.

The Court reframed it as speech or viewpoint. This ruling puts a discredited and unethical “treatment” behind a constitutional shield.

If a licensed provider offers something ineffective and harmful, does it become untouchable because it is delivered in words?

We successfully regulate medicine, ban unsafe treatments and discipline providers. No one calls that censorship.

What changed?

Governor Jared Polis said conversion therapy “doesn’t work” and called it a scam. Good. He’s right. But the state cannot stop at statements. If this is a scam, why is it protected?

Colorado needs a next move. New legislation that targets conduct. Pressure on licensing boards. Clear standards for care that do not collapse into speech claims.

This will not stay in one state. Other bans are now at risk of being overturned.

The line between professional conduct and speech is now in play. Soon, this is headed back to the Supreme Court.

Do states still have the authority to regulate harmful practices in licensed professions?

Colorado had it right. Now it has to figure out how to get there again.