California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting Michigan in the case of Catholic Charities v. Whitmer. The lawsuit challenges Michigan's ban on licensed health care providers offering conversion therapy for minors, a practice aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
In the brief, the coalition argues that conversion therapy is not a safe or effective treatment and poses serious risks to minors, including increased risks of suicide and depression. "No child should ever be subjected to harmful, non-evidence-based practices for simply being who they are," stated Attorney General Bonta. He emphasized California's commitment to safeguarding LGBTQ+ youth from such discredited practices.
Michigan's ban on conversion therapy for minors, enacted in February 2024, applies to mental health professionals such as physicians, psychologists, and professional counselors. The medical consensus is that conversion therapy is ineffective and increases the risk of suicide and lifelong mental illness. California was the first state to enact legislation banning conversion therapy for minors with SB 1172 in 2012. Over 23 states and the District of Columbia have similar laws.
The amicus brief asserts several points:
- The First Amendment does not exempt mental health professionals from following standards of care.
- States have laws protecting children from harmful practices.
- States have a constitutional right to regulate health professionals to protect children's well-being.
- Regulation of health care treatment is lawful and necessary.
The brief also highlights studies showing the harmful effects of conversion interventions on LGBTQ minors, including higher rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, less educational achievement, and lower income. One study found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual minors subjected to conversion efforts had nearly three times the suicide attempt rate compared to those who were not subjected. Another study reported over 60% of transgender children subjected to gender identity change efforts before age 10 attempted suicide.
Attorney General Bonta joins his counterparts from Washington, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont and Wisconsin in this legal action.
A copy of the amicus brief is available here.