Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 11, 2023 / 17:10 pm
The United States Supreme Court refused to take up a case that challenges the constitutionality of Washington’s “conversion therapy” ban for minors, which restricts what counselors can say to patients who have same-sex attraction or identify as transgender.
Under Washington state law, conversion therapy refers to efforts to “change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity” or “change behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex.” Similar bans on such treatments are in effect in 20 other states and the District of Columbia.
Violations of the law are punishable by fines of up to $5,000 and counselors can be suspended from practice or have their licenses revoked.
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision on Dec. 11 to refuse to take the case ensures that statewide laws that restrict this type of therapy can remain in effect. Brian Tingley, a licensed marriage and family counselor in Tacoma, challenged the state law, claiming it violated his First Amendment rights to free speech and the free exercise of religion.