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On Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, the Supreme Court heard the oral argument for Chiles v. Salazar. The case grapples with whether Colorado’s law banning conversion therapy violates the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment. The decision will come around June 2026.

ÀÖ²©´«Ã½filed an amicus brief in the case with the American Psychological Association; the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive identities, a division of ACA; and other key stakeholders. Find out more about the brief.

During the oral argument, key topics were discussed, such as speech versus conduct, standards of care, the distinction between professional speech and lay speech and whether the topic of conversion therapy invites differing viewpoints within the medical community and will likely be addressed in the court’s opinion.

The representation for Kaley Chiles, the petitioner, argued that, in addition to the conversion therapy ban limiting her free speech, it constitutes viewpoint discrimination. The representation for Patty Salazar on behalf of the Colorado government, the respondent, argued that the law is a regulation of professional conduct, not lay speech and is in line with the professional standard of care. They distinguished lay speech from professional speech more than once, as they argued that licensed medical professionals do not have the First Amendment right to violate the standard of care.

For more information on conversion therapy and to stay updated on this case, visit counseling.org/advocacy. Additionally, on the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act, which would make it fraudulent to charge for this dangerous and unethical practice.