The case has garnered national attention, reflecting broader societal tensions regarding LGBTQ rights and the conflict between parental rights and state regulations on mental health practices.

The appeal is filed on behalf of counselor Kaley Chiles by the conservative organization Alliance Defending Freedom, which argues that the law infringes on her First Amendment rights.

Proponents of the bans argue they are essential for protecting minors from harmful practices, while critics highlight the severe emotional harm and increased suicide risk associated with conversion therapy.

Conversion therapy, which aims to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, has been widely discredited by major health organizations due to its lack of efficacy and potential for psychological harm.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Colorado's law, citing evidence of harm caused by conversion therapy to minors, though dissenting opinions warn against government overreach in regulating ideas.

The Supreme Court's decision could hinge on whether regulating therapist-client conversations infringes on free speech rights, a point of contention for both sides in this debate.

At the heart of the case is the question of whether state laws banning conversion therapy violate the speech rights of licensed counselors, with supporters claiming these laws are necessary to regulate professional conduct.

This case follows a previous Supreme Court rejection of a similar challenge in late 2023, indicating a division among justices on the issue of conversion therapy regulations.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a significant case challenging a Colorado law that bans conversion therapy for minors, set to be argued in the new term beginning in October 2025.

Colorado officials maintain that the law regulates conduct rather than speech, asserting it is designed to protect clients from harmful treatments and does not apply to non-professional contexts like religious counseling.

The Colorado government supports the ban, citing increased risks of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts among individuals subjected to conversion therapy, a concern echoed by similar laws in over 20 other states.

If the Supreme Court strikes down the Colorado law, it could set a precedent that invalidates similar laws in California and other states, potentially reshaping the legal landscape surrounding conversion therapy.