"But the court's conservative majority didn't seem convinced that states can restrict talk therapy aimed at changing feelings or behavior while allowing counseling that affirms kids identifying as gay or transgender. Justice Samuel Alito said the law looks like blatant viewpoint discrimination. The arguments come months after the court found other states can ban transition-related health care for transgender youths, a setback for LGBTQ rights. The justices are also expected to hear a case about sports participation by transgender players this term."
"Colorado has not sanctioned anyone under the 2019 law, which exempts religious ministries. State attorneys say it still allows any therapist to have wide-ranging, faith-based conversations with young patients about gender and sexuality. The only thing that the law prohibits therapists from doing is performing a treatment that seeks the predetermined outcome of changing a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity because that treatment is unsafe and ineffective, Colorado state attorneys wrote."
Supreme Court justices appeared inclined to favor a Christian counselor who contends bans on conversion therapy for minors violate First Amendment free-speech and religious rights. Kaley Chiles, backed by the Trump administration, says Colorado and about half of states wrongly bar voluntary, faith-based therapy for children. Colorado contends its 2019 law regulates licensed therapists by banning a scientifically discredited practice linked to harm and exempts religious ministries. State lawyers emphasize that therapists may still engage in faith-based conversations but must not perform treatments aiming to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity. The case follows recent rulings restricting transgender youth health care and raises viewpoint-discrimination concerns.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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