The Supreme Court sided with a Colorado Springs-based Christian talk therapist who challenged a state law banning the discredited practice of conversion therapy by suggesting it violated her First Amendment rights.

Why it matters: Yesterday's ruling could deepen feelings of isolation among LGBTQ youth and weaken a landmark 2019 Colorado law signed by Gov. Jared Polis, the nation's first openly gay governor.

What they're saying: "Conversion therapy doesn't work, can seriously harm youth, and Coloradans should beware before turning over their hard-earned money to a scam," Polis said in a statement after the ruling.

Driving the news: In an 8-1 decision, the court found Colorado's ban cannot override free speech protections even though it applies only to licensed professionals.

The big picture: The ruling has implications beyond Colorado.

• It establishes that therapists' conversations with patients can qualify as constitutionally protected speech, potentially limiting states' ability to regulate conversion therapy and similar practices nationwide.

Between the lines: Research shows the stakes are high. LGBTQ young people who underwent conversion therapy were more than twice as likely to have reported attempting suicide, The Trevor Project found.

Catch up quick: The case was initially filed in 2022 by Colorado Springs-based Christian counselor Kaley Chiles. She argued people "flourish when they live consistently with God's design, including their biological sex," per court filings.

• Represented by Alliance Defending Freedom (the same legal group behind the Masterpiece Cakeshop case), Chiles contended Colorado's 2019 law functioned as a gag order, forcing counselors to "censor speech."

Zoom in: Justice Neil Gorsuch, a former judge on the Denver-based 10th Circuit, wrote the majority opinion.

• Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was the lone dissenter, arguing that medical guidance should be treated differently from general speech.

Yes, but: During last October's arguments, Justice Sonia Sotomayor noted Colorado has never enforced the law and questioned whether Chiles' talk therapy would have been covered.

What's next: The Supreme Court sent the case back to the 10th Circuit for reconsideration under a stricter legal standard.

What we're watching: Polis said the state is evaluating how to protect LGBTQ youth and free speech in the state while complying with the ruling, he said in his statement.

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Ayuda disponible en español.

🗓️ Upcoming events around the city.

Día del Niño Celebration at Butterfly Pavilion Apr 4: Butterfly Pavilion partners with the Mexican Cultural Center (MCC) for a full-day celebration of Día del Niño (Day of the Child). Blend culture with discovery and enjoy fun for the whole family!

In a 7–6 vote yesterday, the Denver City Council narrowly selected Axon as the city's automated license plate reader vendor for a one-year contract.

Why it matters: The vote caps a fraught process, with some council members wary of the cameras' capabilities and Mayor Mike Johnston's administration backing the deal.

Zoom in: The $150,000 contract with Axon, the company behind Tasers, replaces Denver's previous deal with Flock, whose contract officially expired yesterday.

Axon's contract includes guardrails meant to protect the city's data, including:

• Limiting storage to 21 days.
• Only allowing Denver safety personnel access to search its database.
• Stipulating the city will own and control data collected by the cameras.

What we're watching: Axon will install 50 cameras, mostly in high-traffic areas, to provide a system that Johnston's administration says will help Denver police investigate homicides and other serious crimes.

What's next: The Axon contract goes into effect today.

• Flock's cameras were taken down yesterday, Johnston's policy director Tim Hoffman said.

🧹 Street sweeping begins today in Denver, and the city is encouraging drivers to check signs for parking restrictions and move their cars to avoid a $50 ticket, Esteban reports.

📚 The woman- and queer-owned bookstore Petals & Pages will close on April 12, citing high rent and low revenue. (Denverite)

👨‍⚖️ Yesterday, a federal judge rejected the Trump administration's attempt to overturn Denver and Colorado "sanctuary" laws, limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement. (Denver Post 🔑)

🐶 A bill banning pet stores from selling dogs and cats cleared a major hurdle this week, though it wouldn't take effect until January 2028 if signed by Gov. Polis. (Westword)

🍺 Copper Kettle Brewing Company, best known for its Mexican chocolate stout, announced on Facebook it will close its doors on June 27, blaming the high price of ingredients, employees and rent, combined with declining interest in craft beer. (Denver Post 🔑)

Three Colorado chefs are finalists for the James Beard Awards announced yesterday by the foundation.

Zoom in: Grand Junction's Josh Niernberg (Bin 707 Foodbar) is among five national finalists for Outstanding Chef.

• Chefs Johnny Curiel (Alma Fonda Fina) and Penelope Wong (Yuan Wonton) are finalists in the Best Chef Mountain category encompassing Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming.

The big picture: Five total local restaurants and chefs moved forward in the industry's most closely watched and prestigious honor.

Two additional finalists with local ties include:

• Denver's McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright (Yacht Club) for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
• Denver's Ryan Fletter (Barolo Grill) for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.

What's next: Winners are announced June 15 in Chicago.

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