Denver, CO —Today, Mental Health Colorado President and CEO Vincent Atchity issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth:
“The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth is a deeply troubling step backward for the health and safety of young people. For years, Colorado has followed the clear consensus of medical and mental health experts: so-called ‘conversion therapy’ is ineffective, discredited, and can cause serious and lasting harm. At a time when young people, especially LGBTQ+ youth, are already facing elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide, this decision sends a dangerous message that these harmful practices are acceptable.
“Every young person deserves professional care that affirms who they are and supports their mental health, not practices that attempt to change or erase their identity. Mental Health Colorado remains committed to protecting LGBTQ+ youth and access to safe, evidence-based, and affirming care for all Coloradans. We will continue working to uphold strong standards of care and to make sure all young people can grow up healthy, supported, and valued for who they are.”
In 2019, Colorado enacted HB19-1129 to establish standards of care grounded in longstanding medical and mental health consensus. Mental Health Colorado was proud to support this effort alongside advocates, partners, and policymakers to advance protections for young people. Evidence consistently shows that efforts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity are ineffective and directly associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide.