Supreme Court Upholds State Bans on Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ+ Youth

The U.S. Supreme Court has made a landmark decision by upholding state bans on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth, marking a significant victory for advocates of LGBTQ+ rights. The ruling, which came after extensive legal challenges, confirms the authority of states to protect minors from practices aimed at changing their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The case, brought to the Supreme Court by opponents of the bans, argued that such legislation infringed on their freedom of speech and the rights of parents to choose therapy for their children. However, the majority opinion, penned by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, emphasized the harmful effects of conversion therapy and the state's compelling interest in safeguarding the well-being of young people.

This decision is expected to influence similar cases in other states and could prompt more jurisdictions to enact bans. Advocates hailed the ruling as a crucial step forward in the fight against discriminatory practices, while critics expressed concerns over what they perceive as overreach by the government into family and therapeutic decisions.

• Conversion Therapy
• LGBTQ+
• Sonia Sotomayor
• Supreme Court