The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons files an Amicus Brief in the Supreme Court in Support of the Right to Conversion Therapy

Core Viewpoint - The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors, arguing it violates free speech rights of licensed counselors [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Context - Colorado and many blue states restrict therapists from assisting teenagers with gender dysphoria and same-sex attractions, while allowing support for transgender transitions [2]. - The Supreme Court case focuses on whether licensed counselors have the right to provide gender support therapy, rather than the therapy's effectiveness [2]. Group 2: First Amendment Rights - AAPS argues that professionals such as physicians and therapists should retain their First Amendment rights post-licensure, which they had prior to obtaining their licenses [3]. - The brief emphasizes that government censorship of therapists constitutes viewpoint discrimination, violating the First Amendment [2][4]. Group 3: Implications of the Case - AAPS urges the Supreme Court to invalidate Colorado's ban, which could lead to the negation of similar laws in approximately half the states [5]. - The brief references Justice Clarence Thomas's dissent regarding viewpoint-based discrimination in counseling minors about gender dysphoria [4].