- United States
- Calif.
- Letter
The Supreme Court is set to decide whether states can protect children from dangerous and discredited practices. Chiles v. Salazar seeks to force states to allow conversion therapy—a practice that has been repeatedly proven ineffective, harmful, and costly to both individuals and taxpayers.
Conversion therapy is not just a human rights issue—it’s an economic burden. Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ individuals subjected to conversion therapy experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide attempts. These consequences lead to increased medical costs, emergency room visits, mental health treatments, and lost productivity in the workforce. Taxpayers ultimately bear the financial burden through Medicaid, public health programs, and crisis intervention services.
Beyond healthcare costs, conversion therapy contributes to economic instability. When young people experience trauma and mental health struggles due to these practices, they are less likely to complete their education, maintain employment, or contribute fully to the economy. States that have banned conversion therapy recognize that protecting youth from psychological harm is not only the right thing to do—it’s a fiscally responsible decision.
This case also strikes at the heart of states' rights. Colorado and many other states have made the responsible economic and moral choice to ban conversion therapy. If the Supreme Court overturns these protections, it will not only endanger children but also impose unnecessary financial strain on states and taxpayers.
Congress and the Senate must act. The Supreme Court must respect states' authority to protect both their citizens and their economies. Conversion therapy is not just ineffective and harmful—it’s expensive, and we cannot afford to let it continue.
