Legal Wins in Colorado and California Push Back Against Anti-Trans Legislation
In the face of growing political attacks on transgender rights, two major legal victories have highlighted the power of the courts in protecting LGBTQ+ youth. Colorado and California recently secured pivotal rulings that affirm the dignity and safety of transgender individuals, particularly minors. These wins offer hope amid a rising tide of anti-trans legislation sweeping across the U.S.1, but they also underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and advocacy.
Colorado’s Conversion Therapy Ban: A Major Legal Win
In a landmark decision, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors. Conversion therapy, widely discredited by mental health experts2 3, attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Colorado’s law prohibits licensed mental health providers from engaging in these harmful practices with minors, making the state one of many to prioritize the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth through such legislation4.
The court’s ruling confirmed that Colorado has the authority to regulate medical practices in the interest of public health, siding with over 25 states that have enacted similar bans. Chris Stoll, Senior Staff Attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), praised the decision: “These discredited practices, which falsely promise to change a young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, have been rejected as unsafe by every major medical and mental health organization in the country”5.
This ruling sets a critical precedent as conversion therapy remains a contentious issue in states with more conservative legislatures, where religious and parental rights arguments are being used to challenge these bans. It also highlights the dangerous consequences conversion therapy can have on minors, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
“These discredited practices, which falsely promise to change a young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, have been rejected as unsafe by every major medical and mental health organization in the country.”
Chris Stoll, Senior Staff Attorney, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
California’s Fight Against Forced Outing Policies
Across the country, California faced a different battle when the Chino Valley Unified School District attempted to implement a policy requiring schools to notify parents if a student requested to use different pronouns or names. The policy, which forced the outing of transgender students without their consent, was immediately challenged by California Attorney General Rob Bonta. In September 2024, a San Bernardino Superior Court judge issued a permanent injunction, blocking the policy.
This ruling comes at a crucial time, as several other districts in California and across the nation are considering similar policies. Forced outing policies endanger transgender students, many of whom could face psychological harm, family rejection, or even physical violence if outed without their consent. In his statement following the decision, Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of student safety: “This ruling ensures no child becomes a target again by blocking Chino Valley Unified from ever adopting another forced outing policy.”6 7
The decision affirms that schools have a duty to protect the privacy and well-being of all students, especially LGBTQ+ youth, who already face higher risks of bullying, mental health issues, and violence. It also sends a clear message to other districts: discriminatory policies won’t stand under California’s strong civil rights protections.
Why These Rulings Matter
While these legal victories offer a glimmer of hope, they are part of a broader and more complex fight. Across the U.S., anti-trans legislation continues to proliferate, with laws targeting everything from transgender athletes to bathroom access. These policies often frame transgender rights as a “threat” to societal norms, particularly for youth, despite the overwhelming evidence that acceptance and gender-affirming care lead to better mental health outcomes.
The rulings in Colorado and California, however, provide much-needed legal precedent and protection. They demonstrate that courts can serve as a crucial line of defense against policies designed to harm LGBTQ+ individuals under the guise of protecting “traditional values” or “parental rights.” But they also underscore the need for continued public support and advocacy, as many state legislatures push forward with laws that jeopardize the safety and dignity of transgender people.
Personal Stories and Community Impact
Beyond the legal victories, these cases reflect the lived experiences of transgender youth, whose lives are often shaped by the policies that govern their rights. Jillian Orr, who famously displayed a rainbow flag at her BYU graduation, is one of many activists using their platform to fight for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights in environments that remain hostile to queer identities8. Her advocacy resonates with young trans individuals in states like Colorado and California, where the court rulings may help protect their ability to express their true selves.
Including voices like Orr’s alongside legal experts helps bridge the gap between court rulings and the day-to-day experiences of LGBTQ+ youth. Personal stories not only bring emotional depth to these issues but also galvanize public support in a way legal jargon alone cannot.
Call to Action
These legal wins are monumental, but the fight for transgender rights is far from over. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Support organizations like the Transgender Law Center, ACLU, and Equality California, which are at the forefront of legal battles and advocacy efforts.
- Vote for candidates who prioritize LGBTQ+ rights and ensure that local school boards and state legislatures don’t push harmful policies.
- Speak out against transphobia in your communities, whether online or in-person, and advocate for inclusivity in schools and workplaces.
These rulings demonstrate today’s takeaway from this good news: it is possible to win the battle for transgender rights, but it will require sustained public support and legal advocacy to counter the growing wave of anti-trans legislation.
- https://translegislation.com/ ↩︎
- https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/therapeutic-response.pdf ↩︎
- https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/why-conversion-therapy-should-be-banned ↩︎
- https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1129 ↩︎
- https://www.nclrights.org/about-us/press-release/tenth-circuit-upholds-colorado-law-protecting-youth-from-conversion-therapy/ ↩︎
- https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-superior-courts-final-ruling-against-chino-valleys-forced ↩︎
- https://www.kqed.org/news/11960202/judge-halts-district-policy-that-notified-parents-when-kids-change-pronouns ↩︎
- https://www.advocate.com/exclusives/2022/7/08/meet-more-lgbtq-advocates-change-working-better-queer-lives ↩︎