Rocky Mountain Equality Responds to Supreme Court Decision Putting Children at Risk

Representatives of Rocky Mountain Equality respond to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision announced in Chiles v. Salazar.

Mardi Moore, CEO of Rocky Mountain Equality, said:

“Today’s United States Supreme Court Ruling in Chiles v. Salazar is another dangerous blow to the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth in Colorado. This decision is a part of the hateful coordinated attacks we continue to see on vulnerable young people and their families, just like the two anti-trans measures that were recently approved for Colorado ballots in November.  

“This decision, just like these overreaching and invasive policies on the Colorado ballot, is not about protecting children. It’s about making sure that life is as challenging as possible for a small group of kids that extremists are trying to use as a political wedge issue. Our kids deserve better. Rocky Mountain Equality is committed to fighting alongside these kids, their families, and ethical mental health providers to protect our youth and help them survive and thrive.”

Tamora Tanniehill, Director of Programs and Services of Rocky Mountain Equality, said:

“As a licensed professional counselor and licensed addictions counselor, I am sickened by this decision. Holding state regulations on pseudoscientific practices such as conversion therapy to a strict scrutiny standard is far reaching, unethical, and poses meaningful risks to the ability of state governments and professional associations to regulate dangerous and disproven medical practices. This decision is another strategic step to further dismantle and undermine life-saving professional and healthcare standards that protect privacy and families’ abilities to make healthcare decisions. 

“This decision is also an affront to therapists and counselors who are upholding ethical standards and keeping their commitment to do no harm to their clients, among many other commitments. 

“Despite what the media is saying, today’s ruling is not narrow. The implications go beyond LGBTQ+ youth and conversion therapy. It puts every family who trusts their providers to deliver medically sound treatment and advice at risk. This is shameful.”