Federal Court Halts Michigan’s Conversion Therapy Ban
A federal appeals court has temporarily suspended Michigan’s prohibition on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors, arguing that it infringes on the First Amendment rights of therapists and counselors. This decision by the court came in response to an appeal from Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale Counties.
In a 2-1 ruling, the court stated that the law unfairly limits speech based on the moral beliefs of therapists. Judges Raymond Kethledge and Joan Larsen emphasized that the legislation discriminates based on viewpoint, as it only allows speech that aligns with government-approved perspectives. They highlighted that the law does permit counseling supporting gender transition.
This development follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent consideration of a related case in Colorado, which may establish a nationwide precedent on the matter.
Judge Rachel Bloomekatz dissented, arguing that the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals should have awaited the Supreme Court’s decision before proceeding.
Michigan’s legislation, enacted by a Democratic-majority Legislature and signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2023, labels conversion therapy as a “horrific practice.” Therapists risk losing their licenses if they do not comply with the law. Currently, over 20 states enforce similar statutes. For more details, visit LGBTQ+ Maps.
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have pointed to studies indicating that conversion therapy is associated with increased risks of suicide and depression.
