Over half of Americans support banning conversion therapy amidst Supreme Court challenge

A recent poll indicates that a significant majority of Americans, spanning across party lines, support the prohibition of conversion therapy, a practice widely condemned by medical and psychological experts as harmful and ineffective. The YouGov/Economist poll, conducted between October 10th and 13th, reveals that 59% of U.S. adults favor bans on attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation from gay to straight.

This widespread support comes at a critical juncture, as the Supreme Court is poised to review Chiles v. Salazar, a case that challenges the constitutionality of state-level conversion therapy bans. The plaintiff, Kaley Chiles, a licensed therapist from Colorado, argues that the state's ban infringes upon her free speech and religious freedom, asserting her right to provide conversion therapy to LGBTQ+ youth seeking to align with traditional religious beliefs. The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), an organization designated as an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group, is representing Chiles.

The poll data shows that support for these bans extends across the political spectrum, with 60% of Republicans, 59% of Democrats, and 57% of independents in agreement. However, opinions diverge regarding the efficacy of conversion therapy. A significant percentage of Democrats (75%) and independents (55%) do not believe that conversion therapy can alter sexual orientation, compared to 45% of Republicans.

Notably, only 11% of respondents believe conversion therapy is effective, while 27% hold the belief that individuals can change their sexual orientation if they choose. This suggests a segment of the population believes in the possibility of change through means other than conversion therapy.

The poll further explored attitudes toward whether gay individuals should attempt to change their sexual orientation, with only 17% expressing support for such efforts. Democrats were more likely than Republicans to disagree with the notion of attempting to change one's sexual orientation.

Experts fear the Supreme Court's decision in Chiles v. Salazar could contradict its recent ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti, which upheld state bans on gender-affirming care for minors. Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights emphasized the potential hypocrisy, stating, "It would be so hypocritical for the Court to say states can ban health care for transgender youth, but they can’t restrict conversion therapy for young people… It would be very distressing and disturbing to see that blatant type of inconsistency."

Currently, 22 states and the District of Columbia have enacted bans on conversion therapy, recognizing its detrimental impact on LGBTQ+ individuals. Professional health organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association, have firmly denounced the practice, citing evidence of its ineffectiveness and potential harm. Advocates worry the Supreme Court’s ruling could dismantle these protections, leaving LGBTQ+ youth vulnerable to a practice that lacks scientific support and has been shown to cause depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.