Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside 18 other attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief supporting Michigan in the case of Catholic Charities v. Whitmer. The lawsuit challenges Michigan's ban on licensed health care providers offering conversion therapy to minors. Conversion therapy aims to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity and is widely regarded as harmful and ineffective.

In the brief, the coalition argues that conversion therapy falls below the standard of care for mental health practitioners due to its ineffectiveness and potential harm, including increased risks of suicide and depression among minors.

"No child should ever be subjected to harmful, non-evidence-based practices for simply being who they are," said Attorney General Bonta. "California is proud to stand behind Michigan’s law prohibiting state-licensed health care providers from performing conversion therapy on minors and remains committed to safeguarding LGBTQ+ youth from scientifically discredited practices that put their health, safety, and well-being at risk."

Michigan's ban on conversion therapy for minors was enacted in February 2024 and applies to mental health professionals such as physicians, psychologists, and counselors. The medical consensus indicates that conversion therapy is inconsistent with standard care because it increases the risk of suicide and lifelong mental illness. California was the first state to enact similar legislation in 2012 with SB 1172.

The coalition's amicus brief emphasizes several points:

- The First Amendment does not exempt mental health professionals from following standards of care.

- Many states have laws protecting children from harmful practices like conversion therapy.

- States have a constitutional right to regulate health professionals to protect children's well-being.

- Plaintiffs' arguments against regulating health care treatment could lead to dangerous outcomes.

Scientific studies cited in the brief highlight the severe impact of conversion interventions on LGBTQ minors, linking them with higher rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, reduced educational achievement, and lower income. One study found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual minors subjected to these efforts had nearly three times the suicide attempt rate compared to those who were not. Another study indicated that over 60% of transgender children subjected to gender identity change efforts before age 10 attempted suicide.

Attorney General Bonta joins attorneys general from Washington, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont; Wisconsin in filing this brief.

A copy of the amicus brief is available here.