Rep. Hoskins, Author of Michigan’s Conversion Therapy Ban, Responds to U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Colorado Law

LANSING, Mich., March 31, 2026 — State Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield), author of Michigan’s law banning conversion therapy for minors, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down Colorado’s law:

“As someone who worked hard to pass legislation banning conversion therapy, I did so because I believe every young person deserves to be safe, supported, and affirmed, not subjected to practices rooted in shame and rejection.

“I want to be clear. The Supreme Court’s decision does not mean conversion therapy is safe, effective, or should ever be acceptable.

“Conversion therapy is a fraud. It is malpractice and it is still deeply damaging to young people in Michigan. Every major medical and mental health organization has condemned conversion therapy as unethical and dangerous. The evidence is clear. These practices are linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts. That has not changed.

“What this decision does is make it harder for states to protect young people before harm occurs. It draws a line that is difficult to defend. When treatment involves surgical tools or medication, the state may impose safeguards to prevent harm. But when the same harm is inflicted through a course of treatment delivered in words — talk therapy that can induce shame, reinforce stigma, and are associated with increased rates of depression, trauma, anxiety, and suicidality — the state is left with diminished authority to act. That is wrong.

“And let’s be honest about what this is: families are often paying thousands of dollars for services that do not work and cause real harm. That is not care. That is exploitation.

“This decision does not eliminate accountability. Survivors still have legal options, including consumer fraud claims, medical malpractice suits, and other legal actions to hold bad actors responsible.

“This fight is not over. We will continue to explore every avenue available to protect young people and hold those who harm them accountable, because no child should be made to feel like they need to be ‘fixed’ to be loved.”

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