Supreme Court Hears First Amendment Challenge To Colorado Conversion Therapy Ban

On October 7, 2025, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar, a case that tests the extent of First Amendment protections for regulated professionals. After a divided Tenth Circuit panel rejected a challenge to Colorado's so-called Minor Conversion Therapy Law (MCTL), C.R.S. §§ 12-245-101, 12-245-202, the Court is now positioned to decide "whether a law that censors certain conversations between counselors and their clients based on the viewpoints expressed regulates conduct or violates the Free Speech Clause."

Colorado's MCTL forbids licensed mental health counselors from conducting "conversion therapy," a practice that purports to change an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or feelings of same-sex attraction. Petitioner Kaley Chiles, a Colorado-licensed professional counselor and practicing Christian, treats minors who seek counseling related to same-sex attraction and gender identity. She filed