California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Colorado’s law that bans licensed health professionals from practicing conversion therapy on minors. The law, which targets efforts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, was challenged by a counselor who supports conversion therapy. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit previously ruled that Colorado can regulate professional conduct when there is evidence of harm. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on October 7, 2025.
“In 2012, California became the first state to enact legislation — SB 1172 — banning conversion therapy on anyone under 18 years of age. Because conversion therapy doesn’t work; because it’s harmful to our youth; and because it’s fundamentally wrong,” said Attorney General Bonta. “With this important case now before the U.S. Supreme Court, we are proud to once again stand on the right side of history. We urge the justices to uphold Colorado’s law.”
The amicus brief argues that conversion therapy is not a safe or effective treatment for any condition and puts young people at risk for serious harm, including higher risks of suicide and depression. It also states that such practices fall below accepted standards for mental health care providers. Over 25 states have laws banning or restricting conversion therapy, and major medical organizations—including the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and American Psychiatric Association—oppose the practice.
The brief further maintains that regulating unsafe mental health practices does not violate the First Amendment and that such bans are consistent with longstanding state authority over professional standards. It warns that overturning these regulations could affect states’ ability to oversee professional conduct within their borders.
Attorney General Bonta filed this amicus brief alongside attorneys general from Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. He previously filed a similar brief supporting Colorado’s law during its review by the Tenth Circuit.
Support resources for LGBTQ+ individuals facing emotional distress include organizations such as The Trevor Project Lifeline (866-488-7386), Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860), LGBT National Help Center, Colors Youth (for those aged 25 and younger), and information available through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) LGBTQ+ page.
