CA, US & World
Supreme Court signals Colorado conversion therapy ban may violate First Amendment, sending case back to lower courts
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that Colorado’s law banning conversion therapy for gay and transgender minors likely violates the First Amendment, a decision that could reshape similar laws across the country.
In an 8-1 decision, the court did not strike down the law outright but instead sent the case back to a lower court for further review under a stricter legal standard. That shift significantly increases the likelihood that Colorado’s law — and others like it — could ultimately be invalidated.
At the center of the case is whether therapy should be treated as regulated medical care or protected speech. Writing for the majority, Justice Neil Gorsuch emphasized that the First Amendment protects the right to express ideas freely, even when those ideas are controversial.
Colorado enacted the law in 2019 to protect minors from conversion therapy, a practice widely rejected by major medical organizations. Supporters of the ban argue it prevents harm to vulnerable youth, while opponents say it restricts counselors’ ability to speak freely with clients.
The ruling drew an unusual coalition, with Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor joining the majority. Kagan noted the law may be unconstitutional because it regulates one viewpoint while allowing another, raising concerns about fairness in free speech protections.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued a strong dissent, warning the decision could weaken states’ ability to regulate harmful medical practices. She argued the ruling could open the door for broader challenges to professional standards in healthcare.
The court’s decision means lower courts must now apply “strict scrutiny,” the highest level of judicial review, when reconsidering the law. Legal experts say laws rarely survive that level of scrutiny.
The ruling marks another significant moment in a series of recent Supreme Court decisions impacting LGBTQ rights, with additional cases expected later this year.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
March 31, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews