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 outlined their ongoing commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ youth in Michigan.
The issue is significant as it affects the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, with medical experts warning about the dangers of conversion therapy. “Today’s ruling is as disappointing as it is harmful,” said 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 addressed concerns following the ruling: “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.”
Currently, Michigan’s prohibition on conversion therapy remains preliminarily enjoined due to ongoing litigation—Catholic Charities v. Whitmer—in federal district court for Western Michigan under Judge Beckering. The case had been stayed pending this Supreme Court decision; now that an opinion has been issued in Chiles v. Salazar, parties are expected to meet within 14 days to discuss next steps with the District Court.
According to the official website, the Michigan Department of Attorney General works statewide through public service initiatives aimed at protecting residents and supporting vulnerable populations such as those affected by human trafficking. Dana Nessel serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to official records. The department also influenced policy by drafting laws like Clean Slate in 2019 for expungement opportunities as reported by its website.
The broader implications of this ruling may affect similar bans across other states while legal challenges continue in Michigan courts.
