Colorado banned conversion therapy for minors. A U.S. Supreme Court case could upend that

In 2019, Colorado Democrats had control of both the House and the Senate. That gave them the momentum they needed to push forward an issue that had repeatedly failed in the statehouse under Republicans: a ban on conversion therapy for minors.

The law prohibits licensed therapists from trying to change a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Even though some conservatives strongly opposed it, the law ended up passing with bipartisan support and a few high-profile Republican backers. It wasn’t seen as hugely contentious. Now a challenge on the ban has made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Oral arguments are Oct. 7. 

CPR’s Bente Birkeland and CPR’s Caitlyn Kim dive into the Colorado law at the center of the case and the legal arguments that will be before the nation’s highest court. They also get into how this case is one in a string of challenges to Colorado’s LGBTQ protections, all from the same conservative legal powerhouse. 

Purplish is a finalist for a Signal Award

You rely on Purplish’s reporters to break down the latest developments at the statehouse, in Congress and in local communities — and to find the big picture behind political headlines.

Now Purplish is a finalist for a Signal Award, and the team needs your help. Cast your vote to make sure the podcast takes home the Listener’s Choice Award in the Local News Show category. Vote here. 

Thanks for your support!

Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf. This episode was edited by Megan Verlee and Rachel Estabrook, and sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. Theme music is by Brad Turner. Special thanks to WHYY and Fresh Air for this episode.