A critical free speech case in the United States will be heard in the highest court of the land after the Supreme Court agreed to hear Chiles v. Salazar on Monday.

Alliance Defending Freedom is representing counsellor Kaley Chiles, who, as a Christian, has challenged a Colorado law that restricts her ability to counsel her clients truthfully and faithfully, particularly as it applies to gender confusion.

Versions of these so-called “conversion therapy” laws exist around the world and purportedly target harmful practices, despite no evidence such practices continue today. In reality, they often capture a broader range of activities, including Christian teaching on sexuality, sex, and family.

In 2019, Colorado passed the Minor Conversion Therapy Law, which outlaws counsellors from having any conversations with clients under 18 that “attempts or purports to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.”In practice, this ban works only one way. This means a counsellor can encourage a client towards adopting a “transgender” identity but cannot help clients to be comfortable with their actual sex, even when they desire that outcome.

ADF CEO Kristen Waggoner said of the case, and the law more broadly:

“The government has no business censoring private conversations between clients and counselors, nor should a counselor be used as a tool to impose the government’s biased views on her clients,”

This case is an important step in pushing back against laws which clearly violate free speech, freedom of religion, and parental rights.

Several Australian states have similar “conversion therapy” laws which impose the same kinds of restrictions on free speech.

New South Wales, the ACT, and Tasmania have each passed similar laws to Colorado’s that largely target Christians and people of faith.

The Victorian laws are even worse, as they specifically prohibit praying for people with unwanted same-sex attraction or gender confusion, even if they ask for it.

There is no doubt the proliferation of these laws around the world are a direct attack on freedom of religion and speech. They target Christian beliefs and stop people who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction or gender confusion from seeking help.

The fact that the US Supreme Court has accepted the case is a promising sign but also demonstrates the need to continue to resist similar laws in Australia and work towards a cultural shift back towards genuine freedom to speak truth and live faithfully.