Bill
HB 1322
HB 1322 allows conversion therapy survivors to sue practitioners and organizations for harm, creating legal accountability for a practice proven to cause depression, anxiety, an...
HB 1322 would establish a civil cause of action allowing individuals who underwent conversion therapy as minors to sue practitioners and organizations that provided or facilitated such treatment. The bill creates a legal pathway for survivors to seek damages for harms sustained, likely including provisions that allow suits within a specified timeframe after reaching adulthood.
Conversion therapy—attempting to change sexual orientation or gender identity through psychological or behavioral interventions—is widely documented to cause psychological harm including depression, anxiety, and increased suicide risk. Colorado currently lacks a specific civil remedy for survivors. This bill addresses a gap in legal protection for a vulnerable population and acknowledges the state's interest in holding practitioners accountable for practices increasingly recognized as ineffective and harmful. The bill also signals state policy that such practices on minors warrant legal consequences.
Religious freedom concerns: Opponents may argue the bill infringes on religious liberty protections, particularly if faith-based organizations or counselors claim such practices are rooted in sincere religious beliefs.
Statute of limitations scope: Depending on language, disputes may arise over how long survivors can sue after reaching adulthood and whether that timeframe is appropriate.
Practitioner definitions: Clarity on who qualifies as a "practitioner" matters significantly—whether this applies only to licensed therapists or broader categories, which could affect small organizations or informal settings.
Causation and damages standards: Determining legal causation between conversion therapy and specific harms, and appropriate damages calculations, could generate litigation complexity.
Grandfather provisions: Questions may emerge about whether the law applies retroactively to past practices or only prospectively.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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