Eighth Circuit Revives Kansas City Conversion Therapy Ban Challenge
On July 14, 2026, the Eighth Circuit reinstated the challenge to Kansas City's conversion therapy ban.
Why it matters: This ruling reopens legal debates over local conversion therapy bans and the limits of free speech protections for LGBTQ+ issues. Legal professionals must track how courts navigate conflicts between anti-discrimination laws and First Amendment rights.
- The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Colorado's 2019 conversion therapy ban in an 8-1 ruling on March 31, 2026, citing free speech violations.
- Kansas City repealed its 2019 ban on conversion therapy on May 22, 2026, with a 7-5 City Council vote after a lawsuit by Missouri's Attorney General.
- Kansas City enacted a revised ordinance on June 23, 2026, banning harmful therapeutic practices without mentioning conversion therapy explicitly.
- On July 14, 2026, the Eighth Circuit relied on the Supreme Court precedent to revive the lawsuit against Kansas City's original ban.
On March 31, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Colorado’s 2019 ban on conversion therapy for minors by an 8-1 vote, ruling it violated the First Amendment's free speech protections. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that the law "censors speech based on viewpoint" and is thus "presumptively unconstitutional." This ruling sent immediate ripples through similar bans nationwide, raising important questions about local governments' ability to regulate practices labeled harmful but involving speech. AP News coverage.
Following this decision, Kansas City repealed its own 2019 conversion therapy ban on May 22, 2026. The repeal passed 7-5 in the City Council after Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, along with two licensed counselors, challenged the ban on free speech grounds. Opponents argued that prohibiting conversion therapy restricted licensed counselors’ professional speech. Details of KC repeal.
On June 23, 2026, Kansas City enacted a new ordinance targeting "dangerous and life-threatening therapeutic practices," particularly those linked with increased risk of suicide, self-harm, or depression among LGBTQ+ minors. This revised law avoids explicitly mentioning conversion therapy, aiming to comply with the Supreme Court’s free speech concerns. Axios report on revised ordinance.
Despite the changes, on July 14, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit reinstated the legal challenge to Kansas City's original 2019 conversion therapy ban. The court cited the Supreme Court's recent ruling as central to reviving the case, highlighting the ongoing constitutional tension between protecting LGBTQ+ youth and preserving free speech rights. Courthouse News on Eighth Circuit ruling.
The debate remains deeply contested. Kansas City Councilman Eric Bunch, a ban supporter, said, "conversion therapy is harmful. That’s the reason why we banned it." Opponents emphasize that the bans restrict licensed professionals’ ability to speak and counsel their clients, framing the issue as one of free expression. These developments illustrate ongoing challenges for legal practitioners and policymakers balancing LGBTQ+ protections with constitutional speech rights.
By the numbers:
- 8-1 — Supreme Court vote striking down Colorado's conversion therapy ban on March 31, 2026
- 7-5 — Kansas City City Council vote repealing its 2019 conversion therapy ban on May 22, 2026
- June 23, 2026 — Date Kansas City enacted revised ordinance banning harmful therapeutic practices without naming conversion therapy explicitly
Yes, but: The Eighth Circuit revival challenges Kansas City’s ordinance, but the new revised law remains in effect pending further legal scrutiny.
What's next: Further litigation is expected as courts evaluate the constitutionality of Kansas City's revised ordinance and similar local laws under free speech standards.