The Supreme Court is preparing to hear Chiles v. Salazar, a case that could decide whether so-called “conversion therapy” is protected as free speech. At stake is whether licensed therapists can legally claim to “cure” someone of being gay or trans — despite the fact that every major medical and mental health organization condemns the practice as ineffective and deeply harmful. (VOX)

Let’s be clear: there is nothing to cure. Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, or anywhere on the spectrum of gender and sexuality is not a disease, not a disorder, and not a mistake. It is part of the diverse human experience. Calling it a problem to be “fixed” is as absurd as suggesting we should “cure” people of being left-handed, or “cure” people of having a religion. You either are, or you aren’t — and trying to erase identity is not therapy, it’s abuse.

Supporters of conversion therapy often hide behind religious freedom and free speech arguments. But professional licensing has always drawn a line between personal beliefs and responsible care. A doctor cannot prescribe bleach for COVID-19 and call it “just speech.” A therapist cannot ethically shame or coerce a client into denying who they are and call it treatment.

What this case represents is not a question of speech but of harm. Conversion therapy inflicts trauma, fuels shame, and increases the risk of depression and suicide, particularly among young people. To frame it as a protected right is to ignore the lives damaged in its name.

We support LGBTQIA+ people because there is no “cure” to be found — only people to be loved, affirmed, and respected as they are. The Supreme Court should remember that free speech protections are not a license to harm, and no one’s faith or ideology should trump another person’s right to exist safely and authentically.

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