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AG Nessel, Governor Whitmer Disappointed with U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Against Colorado Ban on Conversion Therapy

LANSING – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Chiles v. Salazar, ruling against a Colorado ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statements in response:

“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.”

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is disappointing, but it does not change who we are,” said Governor Whitmer. “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.”

Michigan’s prohibition on the practice of conversion therapy is presently preliminarily enjoined. The case itself, Catholic Charities v. Whitmer, is before the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, which ordered a stay over the case pending an order from the Supreme Court in Chiles. Now that an opinion has been issued in that case, the parties in Catholic Charities v. Whitmer are expected to meet, confer, and update the District Court within the next 14 days about what should happen next in their case. The case is before Judge Beckering.

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