The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case Chiles v. Salazar, which challenges Colorado's restrictions on free speech for mental health professionals. The Liberty Justice Center, a public interest law firm, had filed an amicus brief in December 2024, supporting counselor Kaley Chiles in her challenge against the state's Mental Health Practice Act.
The contested law prohibits licensed mental health professionals from offering counseling if their views on sexual orientation or gender identity are not aligned with those approved by the state. Plaintiff Kaley Chiles argues that this law violates therapists' First Amendment rights by discriminating based on the content and viewpoint of their speech.
Previously, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Chiles, upholding the Colorado law. Following this decision, Chiles petitioned for certiorari from the Supreme Court, which was granted.
Jacob Huebert, President of the Liberty Justice Center, stated: "No one should be forced to give up their right to free speech in order to practice their profession." He expressed optimism about the Supreme Court's decision to hear the case and hopes it will find Colorado's restrictions unconstitutional.
The Liberty Justice Center remains committed to defending First Amendment rights and ensuring freedom of speech without financial burden on its clients or taxpayers.