Colorado House advances bill allowing lawsuits over conversion therapy after Supreme Court ruling

The Democratic-controlled Colorado House on Thursday approved a bill that would create a pathway for people harmed by conversion therapy to file civil lawsuits against licensed mental health professionals. The legislation comes days after the U.S. Supreme Court blocked enforcement of Colorado’s ban on the practice, ruling it likely violates the First Amendment.

HB26-1322 would allow victims to seek damages from therapists accused of attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It also permits legal action against entities that hired or supervised the professionals. The bill, which now moves to the Democratic-controlled Senate, could enable lawsuits years after therapy sessions and expose providers to significant financial liability.

The legislation was introduced shortly after the Supreme Court’s 8-1 decision, which held that Colorado’s law favored certain viewpoints by allowing therapists to affirm, but not attempt to change, a minor’s gender identity or sexuality. Republican Rep. Matt Soper criticized the bill, calling it a “slap in the face” to the high court and accusing it of undermining the ruling.

Soper told Fox News Digital that the bill effectively acts as a de facto ban on conversion therapy and expressed concern that state legislatures are trying to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision. He argued that this approach creates confusion about the law’s intent and undermines the judiciary’s authority.

Supporters, including Reps. Alex Valdez and Karen McCormick, reaffirmed their stance that conversion therapy is harmful and ineffective. They emphasized their commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in Colorado, citing the practice’s damaging effects on mental health.

Source: Original Article