Federal Judge Blocks Michigan's Minor Conversion-Therapy Ban on Free-Speech Grounds

A federal district judge granted a permanent injunction against Michigan's conversion-therapy prohibition for minors, finding the statute unconstitutional under the First Amendment. The suit was brought by Emily McJones, a therapist, and Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties, who contend the law forces them to support transgender ideology while forbidding counseling that affirms biological sex. The court held that such a content-based restriction on speech is impermissible.

The decision aligns with a Supreme Court ruling that enjoined Colorado's comparable ban and follows a Sixth Circuit order urging the injunction. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel and other state defendants have agreed to settle the case, with the court noting the plaintiffs showed irreparable harm and public-interest benefits. The order bars state officials from sanctioning counselors for providing faith-aligned talk therapy to minors.