US Supreme Court Appears Poised to Strike Down Ban on "Conversion Therapy" for Minors

The US Supreme Court seemed wary of a Colorado law banning conversion therapy on minors during oral arguments on Tuesday, with the conservative-led court's six-to-three supermajority appearing poised to side with a challenge against the ban. At issue is whether the law infringes on free speech rights under the First Amendment. Licensed counsellor Kaley Chiles, who brought the complaint, argued that Colorado's law restricts her ability to practice her faith and express her views on human sexuality. Colorado Solicitor General Shannon Stevenson countered that the law does not prohibit conversion therapy outright but rather regulates it by requiring therapists to inform minors of the potential risks and benefits. "This is not a ban on speech," Stevenson said. "It's a regulation of conduct." The case has drawn international attention, with many countries having banned or restricted conversion therapy in recent years. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared conversion therapy to be a form of torture. Conversion therapy, which aims to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity through various techniques, including talk therapy and aversion therapy, has been widely criticized by human rights groups and medical professionals. The American Psychological Association (APA) has stated that conversion therapy is "not supported by science" and can cause significant harm to individuals. The APA has also called for a ban on the practice. In contrast, some conservative Christian groups have defended conversion therapy as a form of free speech and religious expression. The US Supreme Court's decision in this case will likely have far-reaching implications for LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of speech globally. If the court rules against Colorado's law, it could embolden opponents of conversion therapy bans worldwide. The court is expected to issue its ruling in the coming months. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*