Minnesota Lawmakers Update Conversion Therapy Ban After Supreme Court Ruling

Proposed changes aim to align state law with recent First Amendment decision.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:19am

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A dimly lit, empty counseling office with warm sunlight streaming through the window, creating deep shadows and a contemplative mood, conceptually representing the legal and legislative debates over conversion therapy bans.The Supreme Court's ruling on conversion therapy has prompted updates to Minnesota's ban, as lawmakers seek to balance free speech protections with safeguards for vulnerable individuals.Minneapolis Today

Minnesota lawmakers have introduced updates to the state's ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ people following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could open the door to legal challenges. The proposed changes would add language to clarify that the law does not restrict mental health professionals' ability to express certain viewpoints, while still prohibiting coercive tactics. The bills also create a pathway for people harmed by conversion therapy as children to sue, and prevent insurers from covering the practice.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's 8-1 decision in Chiles v. Salazar found that a similar Colorado law regulating conversion therapy unconstitutionally restricted free speech. This ruling could impact conversion therapy bans in other states, including Minnesota's law passed in 2023. The proposed updates aim to bring Minnesota's law in line with the court's free speech protections while still preserving key protections for vulnerable individuals.

The details

The Minnesota Senate advanced two bills on Wednesday that would update the state's conversion therapy ban in response to the Supreme Court ruling. The changes would add language stating the law does not restrict mental health professionals' ability to express certain viewpoints or engage in discussion, as long as they don't use coercive tactics. The bills also create a pathway for people harmed by conversion therapy as children to sue, and prevent insurers from covering the practice.

  • The U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Chiles v. Salazar last week.
  • Minnesota passed its conversion therapy ban in 2023.
  • The proposed updates to the state's law were discussed in a Minnesota Senate committee on Wednesday.

The players

Minnesota Senate

The Minnesota state legislative chamber that advanced the proposed updates to the state's conversion therapy ban.

Sen. Scott Dibble

The DFL-Minneapolis senator who authored the legislation updating Minnesota's conversion therapy ban.

Renee Carlson

The general counsel for True North Legal, who argued the proposed changes still undermine First Amendment protections.

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What they’re saying

“The bill as amended strikes a balance to respect the Constitution, the integrity of the profession, protects vulnerable people and young people and ensures that they are bringing their own authentic voice and own agency and own goals to that therapy.”

— Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis senator

“It is an end run around [Chiles v. Salazar], placing a burden on speech with which it disagrees, intending to drive certain counselors out of the insurance marketplace based on viewpoints.”

— Renee Carlson, General counsel, True North Legal

What’s next

The proposed updates to Minnesota's conversion therapy ban will next be considered by another Senate panel. It's unclear if the changes will advance in the tied Minnesota House, where Republicans and Democrats share power.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal and legislative battles over conversion therapy bans, as states work to balance free speech protections with safeguards for vulnerable individuals following the Supreme Court's recent ruling. The proposed updates in Minnesota aim to preserve key elements of the state's ban while aligning with the court's free speech determinations.