Michigan conversion therapy ban struck down

A federal court permanently barred United States — Michigan from enforcing its 2023 conversion therapy ban against licensed professionals engaged solely in talk therapy. The stipulated order, issued by U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering, declared the ban violated the First Amendment's Free Speech Clause, following the U.S. Supreme Court's March ruling in Chiles v. Salazar that struck down a similar Colorado law. The state agreed not to enforce the ban and to pay $750,000 toward the plaintiffs' legal costs. The plaintiffs, including Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties and therapist Emily McJones, were represented by Becket (law firm). The ruling follows a December 6th Circuit decision granting a preliminary injunction. United States — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed disappointment, while Becket hailed it as a victory for counselors and children.