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SALT LAKE CITY — As the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments that could undo state rights to ban the practice of conversion therapy, Justin Utley is reminded of the harm he said he experienced under the treatment.
"It's frustrating to me as a survivor of conversion therapy that this is even being discussed at the federal level with the Supreme Court under a free speech banner," Utley said. "It leads inevitably to self-harm, suicide (and) broken families."
Utley underwent conversion therapy for two years in Utah, under the recommendation of a religious leader.
"There just came a breaking point where I was either going to take my own life or something," Utley recalled. "Something had to change because it wasn't working."
For years, Utley shared his experiences as several states, including Utah, considered bills that would condemn the practice. Utah legislators approved a ban on the practice in 2023, which still allows exemptions for religious organizations. The Supreme Court heard arguments last Tuesday against a similar ban in Colorado, where a therapist argues that not being allowed to engage in the spoken aspects of the practice is a violation of her First Amendment rights.
Utley, however, said therapists are held to a higher standard.
"It's the therapist's job to provide evidence based treatment," Utley said. "It's a therapist's job to provide the best care for the individual and not discriminate or be biased by their own religious views."
Currently, 23 states, including Utah have bans on conversion therapy.
The American Psychological Association through various studies states conversion therapy is largely ineffective, and poses serious risks and harm. All major medical and mental health organizations in the U.S. have also condemned the practice.
