A federal appeals court on Wednesday blocked Michigan’s ban on conversion therapy for minors who are LGBTQ+, declaring it violates the First Amendment rights of therapists and counselors.

In a 2-1 opinion, the court said the law illegally restricts speech that reflects the moral beliefs of therapists. It set aside a lower court’s ruling and granted a preliminary injunction sought by Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties.

“The Michigan law discriminates based on viewpoint — meaning the law permits speech on a particular topic only if the speech expresses a viewpoint that the government itself approves,” Judge Raymond Kethledge wrote, joined by Judge Joan Larsen.

  • UnspecificGravity@piefed.social
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    4 days ago

    So does this mean that basically all licensing requirements are also struck down? Can I open my bloodletting and phrenology practice?

    • _haha_oh_wow_@sh.itjust.works
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      4 days ago

      They have allowed chiropractors to continue their dangerous scam for decades, so you probably could’ve gotten away with that even before this.

      • Pearl@lemmy.ml
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        4 days ago

        Chiropractors: why yes, I’m a mental health professional myself.

        Touched your hand and sings “everything’s going to be all right