The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could take away the right of states to protect their youth from the harmful practice of conversion therapy. This case, brought by a Colorado therapist who argues that the state’s ban on conversion therapy violates her First Amendment rights, threatens the more than 20 states that have passed similar laws. These laws are designed to protect LGBTQ+ minors from practices that aim to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In 2019, when Colorado signed its conversion therapy ban into law, victims of this harmful therapy bravely shared their stories. One such story came from Journey Mueller, who was forced into conversion therapy by her school. After weeks of shaming and being told she "failed" to become heterosexual, Journey’s mental health deteriorated to the point of suicidal thoughts and attempts. She told the Denver Post, "they changed everything. My career path. The way I interact with the world. I’ve had two different suicide attempts since then. I wish they knew the damage they caused. I think they genuinely think what they’re doing is right, but it’s so harmful.”

States have the right to regulate practices within their borders, and these bans were passed to protect minors from unnecessary psychological harm. It’s vital that state governments retain the power to protect their youth and decide what is best for their residents.

Sign this petition to tell the Supreme Court: Keep Colorado’s conversion therapy ban intact and allow the state to protect LGBTQ+ youth from harmful practices.