NASW Gravely Concerned by Supreme Court Decision on Conversion Therapy Ban
- NASW-IL Staff
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is deeply concerned by today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which sides with a counselor challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy. While this decision is disappointing, NASW remains resolute in its opposition to conversion therapy and its commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.
“Today’s ruling is disheartening, but it will not deter us. NASW will continue to advocate relentlessly for the safety, dignity, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community,” said NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C.
The Court ruled 8-1 in Chiles v. Salazar, declaring that talk therapy is “pure speech” protected by the First Amendment, rather than professional conduct subject to regulation. It rejected Colorado’s argument that the law governs professional actions, not speech, and issued a preliminary injunction blocking the state’s law until further lower court rulings.
This decision directly contradicts the NASW Code of Ethics, which prioritizes client well-being, cultural competence, and the fight against oppression and discrimination. Conversion therapy is not an ethical or evidence-based practice—it is harmful and damaging.
NASW’s Longstanding Opposition to Conversion Therapy
NASW has been a leader in denouncing the practice of conversion therapy, which causes documented harm - particularly to young people. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth subjected to conversion therapy are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide.
In this case, NASW’s Legal Defense Fund (LDF) partnered with the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, and 11 other organizations to submit an amicus curiae brief, presenting peer-reviewed evidence on the harms of conversion therapy. The Supreme Court's decision disregards this overwhelming medical and scientific consensus.
What This Ruling Means—and What It Doesn’t Change
The Supreme Court’s decision does not change NASW’s unwavering stance on conversion therapy. NASW’s official policy, outlined in Social Work Speaks, affirms that sexual identity, gender identity, and gender expression are fundamental and irrefutable aspects of personal identity. Conversion therapy undermines these core aspects and should have no place in social work.
NASW also acknowledges the public health crisis of youth suicide and self-harm. Social workers must act to combat harmful, ineffective practices like conversion therapy. NASW believes conversion therapy should not be part of social work education or practice and must be eliminated from the profession altogether.
Navigating the Legal Landscape Moving Forward
For states with existing bans on conversion therapy, this ruling introduces uncertainty. Some bans may survive under alternative legal frameworks, such as laws addressing professional conduct, fraud, or public funding restrictions. Advocacy at the state level remains essential to preserving protections. Time will reveal which state bans hold and which will be overturned.
Additionally, this ruling creates a dangerous gray area for families seeking mental health services. Organizations practicing conversion therapy often use affirming language that mimics genuine therapeutic care. Social workers, as the nation’s largest providers of mental health services, play a critical role in helping communities identify affirming care and avoid harmful practices.
A Call to Action for Social Workers
The loss of legal protections in some states places an even greater burden on social workers to uphold ethical principles and protect LGBTQ+ youth.
Here’s how social workers can take action:
Practice with integrity: NASW’s policy against conversion therapy is clear. Social workers must know it, apply it, and speak out if they encounter this harmful practice in their agencies or networks.
Understand your state’s laws: If your state has protections for LGBTQ+ youth, ensure that you, your colleagues, and your clients are aware of them.
Educate your community: Parents, caregivers, and youth need to understand what affirming care looks like and how to avoid harmful practices masquerading as therapy. This is central to the mission of social work.
Support NASW’s Legal Defense Fund: The LDF ensures the voice of the social work profession is heard in critical legal battles. Your support helps NASW continue this work. Learn more at socialworkers.org/ldf.
Conclusion
NASW refuses to stand by as harmful practices like conversion therapy threaten the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. Despite this legal setback, the social work profession will continue to fight for affirming, ethical care and work to dismantle discrimination in all its forms. Social workers must lead the charge in advocating for the youth and families who depend on them most.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.
