23 Comments
User's avatar
Anne's avatar

Fight fire with fire!

Anne Cook's avatar

That's great news! I'm so glad they found a clever way to get around the awful Supreme Court ruling

Julie's avatar

Thank you, Colorado. Thank you, Gov Polis. Thank you to the universe where some rational human beings are still deciding to act in favor of mental health for LGBTQIA kids and adults. And as always, thank you, Erin, for reporting!❤️

Talia Perkins's avatar

I profoundly hope this one sticks despite SCOTUS.

Why is there not simply application of fraud law to all billing for conversion therapy, since all of it is fraud?

Thank you, Erin.

Peter I Bergé JD PA-C Emeritus's avatar

I like the idea but it would be the government (MAGA) or insurance companies that would have standing to sue under civil actions; I guess, in theory, state AGs might be able to sue under state law, especially if they had the backing of the medical, psychological and psychiatric associations/societies.

If Medicare or Medicaid were covering much of that "therapy" then somebody could file a qui tam suit under the False Claims Act, but I suspect that the volume is too small to make it worthwhile and unlike in most cases the government (at least this one) would not step in and take over the litigation.

Talia Perkins's avatar

I'm more than a bit surprised insurance companies couldn't sue for fraudulent claims.

Peter I Bergé JD PA-C Emeritus's avatar

If the volume were large they could give it a try but I'm going to guess that the amount of that "therapy" that's paid for by any one carrier is so tiny that they don't consider it worthwhile.

Glen's avatar

I like how they used it to shoot down arguments against affirming therapy too

Joan the Dork's avatar

Thanks, Polis. You're still a bootlicking dweeb, but at least you chose not to lick 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 particular set of boots.

Julie's avatar

Omg…that actually made me laugh out loud🙌🏻

Lisa's avatar

Now put Tina Peters back in prison.

Ed Luwish's avatar

Gov Polis is a complex person. One day he lets loose an election criminal, the next day signs a bill into law that protects trans people. Knowing the little I know of him, he did both intending to protect Coloradans. At least, in the case of Peters, that’s what he thought he was doing. Protecting the State from Trump’s revenge. Mr T will probably hurt Colorado anyway, because of course he will. He killed a bill that would have provided water for people who need it, just to punish Boebert for standing up to him.

I still stand behind Jared Polis, because of course I will. From the pandemic to the present day, he’s served his state well.

catsongs's avatar

Thanks for offering this perspective.

Sandra's avatar

Nice to see Colorado resisting in this way. In some ways, Colorado has proved to be a very good blue state refuge against all the madness and hate.

Susan Tuzzolino's avatar

Grateful for the acts of humanity!

Mike Gelt's avatar

Colorado has found a way to help protect the LGBTQ+ community from therapists and organizations that continue to push so-called "conversion therapy"—a practice that has been repeatedly shown to be harmful, damaging, and ineffective. This new law, which will take effect shortly and has no expiration date, uses a legal strategy similar to the one Texas used to get around Roe v. Wade. This is a major step forward for a community that has faced discrimination, persecution, and attacks on many levels for far too long. For years, supporters of conversion therapy ignored the evidence and the emotional scars left on countless individuals. Colorado's action sends a clear message: harmful practices disguised as therapy have no place in a modern society. The fight for equality and dignity is far from over, but this law represents meaningful progress and a victory for those who believe people should be free to live as their authentic selves without fear, shame, or coercion. I'm hopeful that this new law will make therapists think twice about what they advise or refer patients to do s it will have a monetary cost.

Letters From a Trans-American's avatar

Super smart idea by some bright folks in CO!

Peter I Bergé JD PA-C Emeritus's avatar

I think, and hope, that the hypocrisy threshold of striking down this law while allowing Texas' anti-choice bill is too high even for this conservative super majority. It wouldn't be for Thomas and Alito but it's not crazy to think that the rest have a tiny bit of self-respect left.

MICHELLE PATE's avatar

This creates a template for states to follow suit and demonstrates Trump admin and SCOTUS animus.

Jendi OLD's avatar

I love a clever legal strategy, especially when it turns the Right's own tactics against them!