The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a Colorado ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth, according to a March 31 statement from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Both officials expressed disappointment with the decision and reaffirmed their support for LGBTQ+ youth in Michigan.
The ruling is significant because it affects similar laws and legal challenges across the country, including in Michigan, where a prohibition on conversion therapy is currently preliminarily enjoined. The case of Catholic Charities v. Whitmer, which concerns Michigan’s law, has been stayed pending the outcome of Chiles v. Salazar.
“Today’s ruling is as disappointing as it is harmful,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Medical experts have long debunked conversion therapy as a destructive, demoralizing and debunked practice which increases depression and the risk of suicide for LGBTQ+ youth. Free speech is a sacred right in America, but it should not provide a runway in which medical professionals can actively harm their patients. My office is reviewing today’s decision in advance of our next meeting before the court to determine our next steps.”
Governor Whitmer also responded: “Today’s Supreme Court ruling is disappointing, but it does not change who we are,” she said. “Michigan will never support any practice that harms or shames LGBTQ+ youth. As long as I’m governor, every young person deserves the right to grow up safe, supported, and free to be themselves.”
The parties involved in Catholic Charities v. Whitmer are expected to meet within 14 days following this Supreme Court opinion to update Judge Beckering at the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan about future proceedings.
According to the official website, Dana Nessel serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general and leads an office that advances social efforts such as actions against human trafficking and support for vulnerable populations throughout Michigan.
The Department of Attorney General operates with statewide authority focused on serving residents through public service initiatives and protection efforts according to its official website. It has also influenced policy by drafting laws like Clean Slate in 2019 aimed at expanding expungement opportunities according to department information.
