A dangerous and widely discredited psychological practice, known as 'conversion therapy', could be poised for a shocking comeback in the United States, as the nation's highest court prepares to rule on its legality.
The Debunked and Damaging Practice
Promoted as a method to change an individual's sexual orientation from gay to straight, conversion therapy is founded on the false premise that homosexuality is an illness requiring a cure. This rationale has been utterly rejected by the mainstream medical community. A host of scientific studies conclude that such counselling is not only ineffective but actively harmful, particularly for young people.
Research consistently shows that minors subjected to these practices, often pressured by misguided parents, face significantly higher risks of severe depression, anxiety, substance abuse, homelessness, and suicide. Leading mental health bodies, including the American Psychiatric Association, condemn the practice as being rooted in homophobia and the incorrect assumption that diverse sexual orientations are mental disorders. Consequently, 23 US states have enacted bans on conversion therapy for minors.
A Supreme Court Showdown on Free Speech
This term, however, the US Supreme Court is set to deliberate on whether these life-saving bans infringe upon constitutionally protected free speech. During oral arguments last month, the court's conservative majority appeared sympathetic to overturning the laws.
While Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued the state should not need a study to prove harmful advice is unsound, comparing it to a dietitian recommending dangerous practices, the bench's comments indicated a likely victory for those seeking to revive conversion therapy. This potential ruling has sparked terror among survivors, who are sharing their traumatic experiences online.
One survivor recounted being sent to conversion therapy against their will for six months, emerging as "a shell of a person" and nearly taking their own life. Another expressed fear for younger generations who could be subjected to this psychological abuse if the bans fall.
Political Backdrop: A Broader Assault on LGBTQ+ Rights
The legal battle is set against a stark political shift. The Trump administration has launched a sweeping campaign against LGBTQ+ rights, emboldening opponents of equality. An executive order signed just hours after the presidential inauguration mandated that passports recognise only two sexes, male and female, disrupting the lives of an estimated 1.3 million transgender or non-conforming adults.
This antagonism extends to schools and the military. A separate executive order threatens federal funding for schools discussing "gender ideology," creating a climate of fear for teachers. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has banned transgender individuals from military service, baselessly claiming that open service by gay people undermines military readiness, and controversially renamed a ship honouring gay rights icon Harvey Milk.
Further actions include the firing of an FBI employee for displaying a rainbow flag, attempts to cut over $800 million in LGBTQ+ health research grants, and the cancellation of a dedicated suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth. These moves collectively signal a concerted effort to marginalise the community.
As the Supreme Court decision looms, advocates warn that striking down conversion therapy bans would be a catastrophic step backwards, legitimising junk science and causing immeasurable harm. The fight to consign this medieval practice to history, once thought won, is now on a knife's edge.
