Lansing, Michigan – A decision handed down by the nation’s highest court has stirred strong reactions among Michigan’s top officials, reopening a contentious national debate over the limits of professional conduct and free speech in medical settings.
The U.S. Supreme Court, in its ruling on Chiles v. Salazar, struck down a Colorado law that had banned conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors. The outcome immediately drew criticism from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, both of whom expressed concern over what they see as the broader implications for young people’s well-being.
Nessel described the ruling as both troubling and damaging, pointing to longstanding positions held by medical and mental health experts.
According to her, conversion therapy has been widely discredited and linked to serious risks, including increased depression and higher chances of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth.
“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.”
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Governor Whitmer echoed that disappointment but struck a tone centered on Michigan’s identity and values. She made clear that, regardless of the court’s ruling, the state’s stance remains unchanged.
In her view, practices that shame or harm young people have no place in Michigan, and she reaffirmed a commitment to ensuring that all youth feel safe, supported, and accepted.
“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,” said Governor Whitmer.
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The ruling also carries immediate legal significance within Michigan. The state’s own ban on conversion therapy is currently under a preliminary injunction, leaving its enforcement paused. The case, Catholic Charities v. Whitmer, is being handled in federal court and had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s decision in the Colorado matter.
With that decision now issued, the parties involved in Michigan’s case are expected to regroup. They have been directed to meet, confer, and provide an update to the court within two weeks, outlining how they intend to proceed in light of the new legal landscape.
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As the dust settles, the intersection of public health, individual rights, and legal interpretation remains sharply in focus, with Michigan poised to play a continued role in the unfolding national conversation.