Supreme Court Strikes Down Colorado Ban on Conversion Therapy, Sparking Mental Health Concerns

Event summary

  • The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-1 on March 31, 2026, to reject Colorado's 2019 law banning conversion therapy for minors, effectively lifting the state ban.
  • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) condemned the decision, citing scientific evidence linking conversion therapy to increased suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth.
  • AFSP, The Trevor Project, and NAMI filed an amicus brief in September 2025 to protect LGBTQ+ youth against conversion therapy.
  • The ruling threatens similar prohibitions on conversion therapy in more than twenty states.

The big picture

The Supreme Court's decision to strike down Colorado's ban on conversion therapy marks a significant setback for mental health advocacy, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth. This ruling undermines years of scientific consensus and policy efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable populations from harmful practices. The decision could embolden challenges to similar bans in other states, further complicating the landscape for mental health organizations working to reduce suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth.

What we're watching

Legal Challenges
Whether the Supreme Court ruling will prompt legal challenges to conversion therapy bans in other states, potentially expanding the practice nationwide.
Mental Health Impact
How the lifting of the ban will affect suicide rates and mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth, particularly in states without protective laws.
Advocacy Efforts
The pace at which AFSP and other organizations can mobilize to advocate for new protections and evidence-based mental health approaches for LGBTQ+ youth.