WORCESTER – Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced on Thursday, Aug. 28, that she joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in an amicus brief filing at the U.S. Supreme Court to support of a Colorado law that bans licensed health professionals from practicing conversion therapy on minors.
Conversion therapy attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychiatric Association all oppose the practice. Colorado is one of 25 states, including Massachusetts, that ban or restrict conversion therapy.
A licensed counselor in Colorado argues the law violates her free-speech rights. A decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit upheld the Colorado law, ruling that states can regulate the professional conduct of mental-health professionals by barring them from engaging in harmful medical practices. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, scheduling arguments for Oct. 7.
In the amicus brief, the attorneys general argue that conversion therapy:
- is not a safe or effective treatment for any condition;
- Puts youth at risk of harm, including suicide and depression; and
- Falls below the standard of care for mental health professionals.
It also argues the First Amendment does not shield dangerous and ineffective mental health practices from regulation or allow licensed providers to operate below a certain standard of care.
If the court strikes down the Colorado law, the unintended consequences may include undermining the rights of states to regulate professional practices.
Along with Campbell, the attorneys joining the brief represent California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
