03/31/2026
When we say this, know that we say it with our whole chest: Inclusive Insight condemns the extremely harmful, backwards Supreme Court ruling in Chiles V. Salazar that sides against Colorado's ban on "conversion therapy."
It is the opinion of the court that this ruling "protects free speech". It doesn't. What it actually does is establish a dangerous precedent that threatens states' abilities to regulate dangerous, discredited practices condemned by every major medical and mental health association in the United States. Additionally, today's ruling is just the latest in a concerning trend of Supreme Court decisions that prioritize "religious freedom" (that is, as long as it's their approved form of religion) over the rights of everyone.
No matter what the court says, "conversion therapy" is not free speech and it's not therapy. Instead it is a dangerous, inhumane and unethical practice. It is torture, it is cruel, and it is abuse. It is illegal, and conversion therapists will still face legal consequences including but not limited to consumer fraud claims and medical malpractice.
If medical and mental health providers want to truly treat LGBTQ+ youth who are questioning their identity, then it is their moral and ethical obligation to provide supporting and inclusive care. Rather than viewing their LGBTQ+ clients as "broken" and "something to fix", it is our job to help guide them in their exploration to find the path that works best for them. If that means surgery or medication, then we provide accurate medical information that allows LGBTQ+ youth to make informed decisions about the care they receive and what treatments they want to undergo.
Supportive therapy saves lives. Conversion "therapy" ruins them.
