Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) – Is Conversion Therapy “Speech”?

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy – aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation – on the grounds that such a ban violates the free speech rights of the therapist. But is talk therapy “speech”, or is it something else entirely? At the next Café Inquiry Grand Rapids, we’ll look at conversion therapy – what it is and how professional organizations view it. We’ll also examine how a decision striking down the ban – which seems likely at this point – may have an impact far beyond this specific case. For background, here is the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s policy statement on conversion therapy. A summary of the Appeals Court decision in the case from 2024 can be found here. A story about the brief filed in the case by the Colorado Attorney General contains a brief summary of the arguments in the case. Finally, the Institute for Free Speech, formerly the Center for Competitive Politics – a group opposing campaign finance laws – weighs in on the side of the plaintiff in the case. Hope to see you there!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.

Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.

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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/