Supreme Court Upholds Bans on Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ+ Minors

The Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to a Washington state law that bans "conversion therapy" for LGBTQ youths, which drew dissent from three conservative justices. The law restricts mental health counseling that attempts to change a young person's gender identity. A Christian counselor argued that the law violated his First Amendment rights. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld the law, stating that it regulates professional conduct, not speech. The Supreme Court majority did not provide an explanation for their decision. The dissenting justices argued that the case raises important questions of free speech.