“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality… And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” – 1 Cor. 6:9,11
In 2019, the Colorado state legislature passed HB19-1129, the “Prohibit Conversion Therapy for a Minor Act.” This highly troublesome law muzzles psychologists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, and others who seek to speak Biblical truth about human sexuality.
The Colorado law restricts any professional in the counseling field from helping a minor align their sexual orientation and gender identity with what the Bible teaches on those issues, even if the minor with parental consent wants to align his life with what the Bible teaches. To combat this unconstitutional law that infringes on First Amendment rights, Kaley Chiles, a licensed counselor, challenged the law in court, correctly stating that the law regulates speech.
The case made it to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, where the three-judge panel agreed with a misguided district court ruling stating that the ban on conversion therapy regulates conduct and treatment, not speech. Thankfully, however, the case is now before the United States Supreme Court and will be heard tomorrow (October 7).
This Colorado statute attacks Coloradans’ Freedom of Religion, as those in the counseling field are currently prohibited from practice their faith while engaging in talk therapy. This statute also attacks Coloradans’ Freedom of Speech, as counseling professionals will be punished if they speak a message the government does not agree with. Further, the law forces those engaged in counseling to share a message they do not agree with, compelling speech in violation of the First Amendment. This unconstitutional ban must be banned by the Supreme Court, as First Amendment rights are being trampled on by it.
In Kentucky, Governor Beshear attempted to implement an executive order on this topic. However, the General Assembly overturned that executive order and ensured that Kentucky counselors would not be targeted for their religious beliefs and/or professional discretion. We are thankful for their quick action in response to the governor’s overreach.
LET US PRAY…
Father, please empower the U.S. Supreme Court to rule righteously in this case and uphold our First Amendment rights. Lord, may counseling professionals throughout Colorado and America be free to truly help minors who are suffering from sexual and gender confusion by presenting Biblical truth to them. Father, please bless Kaley Chiles for her courageous stand for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.