(WWJ) A new U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down a Colorado conversion therapy ban is expected to directly impact a similar legal battle here in Michigan.
Following the high court's ruling, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released statements calling the decision deeply disappointing.
Both leaders strongly condemned conversion therapy.
“Today’s ruling is as disappointing as it is harmful,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Medical experts have long debunked conversion therapy as a destructive, demoralizing and debunked practice which increases depression and the risk of suicide for LGBTQ+ youth. Free speech is a sacred right in America, but it should not provide a runway in which medical professionals can actively harm their patients. My office is reviewing today’s decision in advance of our next meeting before the court to determine our next steps.”
“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is disappointing, but it does not change who we are,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Michigan will never support any practice that harms or shames LGBTQ+ youth. As long as I'm governor, every young person deserves the right to grow up safe, supported, and free to be themselves."
The Supreme Court ruling now forces action in a federal lawsuit challenging Michigan's own conversion therapy ban, which is currently on hold.
The case itself, Catholic Charities v. Whitmer, is before the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, which ordered a stay over the case pending an order from the Supreme Court in Chiles.
The state has 14 days to meet with opposing counsel and update the judge on how they plan to proceed.
READ MORE: Supreme Court rules against Colorado ban on ‘conversion therapy’ for LGBTQ+ kids
