American Humanists React to SCOTUS Decision on Conversion Therapy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 31, 2026

Contact: Court Beyer, cbeyer@americanhumanist.org

WASHINGTON – The following is a statement from American Humanist Association Executive Director Fish Stark in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s majority decision to reject Colorado’s law banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors:

“The Court’s decision is completely divorced from reality. The documented psychological consequences of conversion therapy are severe. Words exchanged in the context of a psychological relationship land with the weight of professional authority – and this is especially true for patients who are minors. Telling a gay teenager that their identity is something to be ‘fixed’ is not a neutral opinion – it is harmful pseudoscience.”

Amitai Heller, Legal Director at the American Humanist Association, added the following:

“Today’s decision sacrifices the health and well being of children on the altar of religious bigotry and homophobia in the medical profession. We must acknowledge that children are independent human beings with rights of their own. At a minimum, this must include the right to evidence-based, compassionate care without the imposition of a provider’s religious or bigoted viewpoint.”

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The American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming worldview of humanism, which—without beliefs in gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.