Attorney General Phil Weiser statement regarding SCOTUS decision in Chiles v. Salazar conversion therapy case

March 31, 2026 (DENVER) – Attorney General Phil Weiser released the following statement regarding today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in Chiles v. Salazar:

“Today’s decision is a setback for Colorado’s efforts to protect children and families from harmful and discredited mental health practices, and it limits the authority states have long exercised to safeguard patients from substandard care.

“Colorado enacted a law to protect minors from so-called conversion therapy, a practice that every major medical and mental health association in the country has rejected as unsafe and ineffective. It does not change a young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. What it can do is cause serious harm, including depression, anxiety, and an increased risk of suicide.

“For generations, states have set and enforced standards to ensure that licensed professionals provide safe and appropriate care. We strongly disagree with the court’s reasoning and are carefully reviewing the decision to assess its full impact on Colorado law and on our responsibility to protect patients and consumers.

“To LGBTQ youth in this state and beyond: you are valued, you are worthy, and your health and dignity matter. We will continue to stand up for care grounded in science and for the rights of all children to grow up safe, supported, and respected.”

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Media Contact:
Lawrence Pacheco
Chief Communications Officer
(720) 508-6553 office
lawrence.pacheco@coag.gov