NEW YORK, NY, March 31, 2026—“The Supreme Court’s troubling decision in the Chiles v. Salazar case leaves LGBTQ+ Americans vulnerable to the harmful practice of conversion therapy. While this is deeply upsetting, this ruling does not legitimize conversion therapy as a practice.

This case only focuses on Colorado’s statewide ban on conversion therapy. Other states’ laws banning the practice remain unaffected, but this ruling opens the door to future legal challenges to those state laws.

The Center continues to fight for and alongside LGBTQ+ youth and their families. We provide mental health support to LGBTQ+ youth from affirming professionals. Parents of LGBTQ+ youth can also find support as they learn how to support their child through their journey.”

—Dr. Carla Smith, CEO of The Center

These are the facts:

• This decision does not legitimize conversion therapy. Striking down a preventive regulation does not declare a practice as safe, ethical, or legal.
• Every major medical association condemns conversion therapy as harmful and unethical. Conversion therapy is linked to increased rates of suicide attempts, anxiety, and depression.
• This case does not prevent survivors from holding conversion therapy practitioners accountable for any harm caused by this dangerous practice.
• Existing state laws banning conversion therapy—including New York’s 2019 law—are not immediately struck down, but today’s ruling makes them more vulnerable to legal challenges.

For more information about how to receive support, contact The Center via gaycenter.org/contact-us.

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