The U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on conversion therapy today, upholding a lower court’s decision that bans the controversial practice for minors. The 6-3 decision marks a significant victory for LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that conversion therapy is harmful and lacks scientific validity.
Legal analysts note the ruling aligns with growing state-level bans, with 20 states already prohibiting licensed professionals from offering conversion therapy to minors. ‘This decision reinforces the principle that medical practices must be evidence-based,’ said a constitutional law professor cited by CNN.
However, dissenting justices argued the case infringes on religious freedom. Justice Samuel Alito wrote in the minority opinion that the ruling ‘disregards longstanding First Amendment protections for speech and religious exercise.’
The decision is expected to face challenges in conservative states, where some legislators have vowed to introduce new bills protecting conversion therapy providers. Advocacy groups on both sides are preparing for continued legal battles.