Interfaith Alliance Joins Brief Defending Colorado’s Ban on Conversion Therapy for Minors

On October 7, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar, a case challenging Colorado’s Minor Conversion Therapy Law (MCTL). This law prohibits licensed mental health providers from subjecting minors to conversion therapy, a practice rejected by every major medical and mental health association.

The petitioner, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, claims that MCTL violates her First Amendment rights because it prevents her from counseling minors in line with her religious beliefs. In reality, the law does not restrict her ability to express her views or to refer clients to religious ministers, who are explicitly exempt from the statute. It only prevents licensed professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with minors.

Interfaith Alliance has joined an amicus brief organized by Americans United for Separation of Church and State, alongside religious organizations from across the country. Together, we are urging the Court to uphold MCTL and protect LGBTQ youth.

As the brief explains, “The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and religion, but these rights do not prevent the government from regulating professional conduct to protect patients from substandard care. In prohibiting mental healthcare professionals from seeking to change a minor client’s sexual orientation or gender identity, the Minor Conversion Therapy Law properly regulates professional healthcare treatment.”

The brief also lifts up religious values across traditions: “Our faiths counsel us to welcome people of any and all gender identities and sexual orientations, and to protect children from harm. Conversion therapy is abuse, not therapy. It runs counter to the will of God and the sacred teachings that call us to love and protect every child.”

If the Court accepts the petitioner’s argument, it would endanger LGBTQ youth and undermine states’ ability to regulate professional standards of care. By joining this brief, Interfaith Alliance is making clear that people of faith stand against conversion therapy and with young people in the struggle for dignity, safety, and love.

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