U.S. Supreme Court

National Implications | Ruling Anticipated 2026

Chiles v. Salazar

This case centers on a Christian counselor’s challenge to a Colorado law that prohibits any counseling aimed at changing a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity, even when the minor or their parents request it. The counselor argues that the law infringes on her free speech and religious liberty, claiming it prevents her from offering counseling consistent with her faith and the wishes of her clients. The Tenth Circuit upheld Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors, ruling that the law regulates professional conduct rather than speech and is rationally related to the state’s interest in protecting minors from harmful, ineffective treatments. The counselor has appealed to the United States Supreme Court.

What Your Ministry Can Do

1. Implement Informed Consent: For all counseling services, particularly those related to gender identity and sexual orientation, ensure that your ministry has clear informed consent forms that outline the nature of counseling, your faith-based approach, and the scope of treatment. This documentation can protect your ministry from legal liability while maintaining transparency with clients.

2. Training for Counselors: Train your counselors on the legal and ethical boundaries of faith-based counseling. Counselors should understand both state-specific laws and the ministry’s religious position on sensitive topics like gender identity and sexual orientation.

3. Review Client Requests: Carefully review client requests for counseling, especially in states with restrictive laws, to ensure that your ministry is not inadvertently violating these laws. Implement a clear policy to manage how counseling is provided, particularly when minors or individuals seeking gender-related counseling are involved.