In 2023, the State of Michigan passed PA 117 and PA 118, banning conversion therapy for minors. Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties, a nonprofit that “carries out the work of the Roman Catholic Church,” and Emily McJones, a Lansing-based therapist who provides evidence-based treatments that is faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, brought suit claiming the ban is too broad and violates the constitutional rights of counselors. The plaintiffs said they have helped clients change their behavior and feelings around gender identity through “pure ‘talk therapy,’” by addressing underlying trauma.
In response, the State of Michigan contended that the plaintiffs lack standing to bring their challenge, as they have failed to demonstrate they will violate the new law and that there was no credible threat of prosecution against the therapist-plaintiffs.
