Key Takeaways:
The Supreme Court must protect free speech in personal goals for medical or counseling choices
Biblical Counseling is about a heart change, applying a scriptural, theological approach to behavior
Conversion therapy is about painfully associating negative consequences to thoughts and behavior
What is the difference between conversion therapy and biblical counseling? It’s a clear distinction between the two, and the Supreme Court is taking up a case to determine whether private counselors can have their speech controlled by state mandates.
The U.S. Supreme Court is deliberating a pivotal case, Chiles v. Salazar, that could redefine the boundaries of free speech and healthcare regulation. At the heart of the case is Kaley Chiles, a licensed Christian therapist in Colorado, who argues that the state’s ban on conversion therapy violates her First Amendment rights. She claims the law prevents her from helping LGBTQ+ minors pursue goals like reducing same-sex attraction or coping with gender dysphoria without affirming a transgender identity.
Colorado defends its stance, asserting that the ban targets a discredited healthcare practice—not personal beliefs—and is akin to prohibiting doctors from recommending harmful treatments. While over two dozen states have similar bans, the Supreme Court justices appear divided. Justice Alito called the law “blatant viewpoint discrimination,” while Justice Barrett requested more evidence of harm caused by conversion therapy.
The ruling, expected next year, could have sweeping implications for LGBTQ+ rights, religious freedom, and the regulation of mental health practices nationwide.
