The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled yesterday (PDF) in favor of Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale Counties and an individual psychologist who sought to block the enforcement of Michigan’s state ban on the practice of conversion therapy. In a 2-1 opinion, the Sixth Circuit reversed the district court’s previous denial of Plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction, and remanded the case to district court “for prompt entry of a preliminary injunction consistent with this opinion.” 

AG Nessel issued the following statement in response to the ruling: 

“Conversion therapy is a destructive, demoralizing, and debunked practice that medical experts agree increases the risk of suicide and depression in the young people forced to endure it. I am disappointed with the Sixth Circuit’s ruling in this case, and fearful of where it will lead. If therapists are permitted to harm their clients under the guise of ‘free speech,’ it’s only a matter of time before other licensed professions receive their own carveout. My department is currently evaluating our options in this case, and we will continue our work to ensure every child in Michigan can grow up knowing they are safe and valued in our communities.”