OutFront Kalamazoo’s Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Chiles v. Salazar

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that talk-based conversion therapy is federally protected as free speech. What does this mean?

While this debunked and harmful practice is now considered free speech, it is still considered malpractice and consumer fraud. That has not changed. 

Providers who cause harm to their clients are still legally accountable for that harm, regardless of First Amendment rights. Civil malpractice lawsuits remain a viable path of recourse for survivors of conversion therapy. 

However, many do not survive conversion therapy. This archaic practice is undeniably linked to increased rates of suicide attempts, anxiety, and depression. 

Every major medical organization still condemns conversion therapy as harmful and unethical. That has not changed.

This ruling made it harder to prevent LGBTQIA+ youth from being subjected to conversion therapy in the first place and being protected from the harm we know it causes. 

OutFront Kalamazoo stands with survivors and believes that everyone has a right to affirming mental health care. Care begins with safety and trust. Finding a provider who affirms your identity and lived experience is essential. 

Our Mental Health Navigator is available every Tuesday to help you find affirming, local care providers you can trust. Together, we can help keep each other and our most vulnerable youth safe.