A federal judge in Tacoma has ruled that a local therapist, Brian Tingley, may reopen his legal challenge against Washington’s ban on conversion therapy for minors. U.S. District Court Judge Tiffany Cartwright issued the order following a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding similar restrictions in Colorado.
Tingley, a licensed marriage and family therapist, originally sued the state in 2021. His initial challenge was dismissed by a lower court, but his attorneys from the Alliance Defending Freedom successfully argued that new legal precedents regarding free speech and viewpoint discrimination necessitate a fresh review of the case. They argue the state law prevents Tingley from providing counseling consistent with the religious convictions of his clients.
In his court filings, Tingley states he only uses conversation to assist clients with goals they set for themselves. He alleges the state law prohibits him from advertising his services in the manner he prefers and has forced him to decline counseling for minors who seek to align their behavior with their religious values. His legal team contends the law infringes upon his First Amendment rights.
State officials, including the Attorney General’s office, remain firm in their defense of the law. Lawyers for the state and the intervenor defendant, Equal Rights Washington, point to research suggesting that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity lead to increased depression and suicidal ideation. They maintain that the legislature has a clear duty to protect minors from practices labeled as unprofessional conduct.
The case is now moving toward arguments for a preliminary injunction. This legal battle highlights the tension between professional state oversight of healthcare and the protected speech rights of practitioners with specific religious frameworks. The Attorney General’s office is currently preparing its response to the request for an injunction, while the court process continues in the Western District of Washington.