California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court, supporting Colorado’s law that bans licensed health professionals from practicing conversion therapy on minors. Conversion therapy refers to attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, practices that major medical organizations have rejected as both harmful and ineffective.
The Colorado statute was challenged in federal court by a counselor who supports conversion therapy. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit previously ruled that Colorado has the authority to regulate professional conduct when there is evidence of harm. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in this case on October 7, 2025.
“In 2012, California became the first state to enact legislation — SB 1172 — banning conversion therapy on anyone under 18 years of age. Because conversion therapy doesn’t work; because it’s harmful to our youth; and because it’s fundamentally wrong,” said Attorney General Bonta. “With this important case now before the U.S. Supreme Court, we are proud to once again stand on the right side of history. We urge the justices to uphold Colorado’s law.”
The amicus brief argues that conversion therapy is not a safe or effective treatment for any condition and exposes youth to serious risks such as increased suicide and depression rates. It also states that such practices fall below accepted standards of care for mental health practitioners. Over 25 states, including California, have enacted laws banning or restricting conversion therapy for minors.
Major medical groups like the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and American Psychiatric Association have all condemned conversion therapy.
The brief contends that:
– The First Amendment does not protect dangerous and ineffective mental health practices from regulation.
– States have historically set and regulated professional standards of care.
– Removing these bans could undermine states’ ability to oversee professional conduct within their borders.
Attorney General Bonta filed a similar amicus brief during earlier proceedings at the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Other states joining California in support include Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin as well as the District of Columbia.
A copy of the amicus brief can be found here.
For those seeking help or support related to LGBTQ+ issues or emotional health concerns:
– Trevor Project Lifeline: (866) 488-7386
– Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
– LGBT National Help Center offers free confidential support via phone/text/chat.
– Colors Youth provides free mental health services for LGBTQ youths up to age 25.
– National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) LGBTQ+ Page lists resources specific to LGBTQ+ mental health needs.
