DETROIT (AP) — A federal appeals court on Wednesday blocked Michigan's ban on conversion therapy for minors who are LGBTQ+, declaring it violates the First Amendment rights of therapists and counselors.
In a 2-1 opinion, the court said the law illegally restricts speech that reflects the moral beliefs of therapists. It set aside a lower court's ruling and granted a preliminary injunction sought by Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties.
“The Michigan law discriminates based on viewpoint — meaning the law permits speech on a particular topic only if the speech expresses a viewpoint that the government itself approves,” Judge Raymond Kethledge wrote, joined by Judge Joan Larsen.
They noted that the law permits counseling that helps someone undergoing a gender transition.
The court's decision comes more than two months after the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a Colorado case that could resolve the issue nationwide.
In a dissent, Judge Rachel Bloomekatz said the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals should have waited for the Supreme Court to act.
The Michigan bill was passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature and signed into law in 2023 by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who said conversion therapy is a “horrific practice.” Therapists could lose their license if they violate the law. More than 20 states have a similar law.
LGBTQ+ rights advocates have cited research suggesting conversion therapy can increase the risk of suicide and depression.
FILE - Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addresses the media during a news conference, Sept. 29, 2025, in Grand Blanc Township, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points, grabbed nine rebounds and had seven assists to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 114-111 victory over Sacramento on Friday night, sending the Kings to their 11th straight loss.
John Collins added 22 points and Brook Lopez and Kris Dunn each had 15 for the Clippers, who ended a two-game skid.
Darius Garland, acquired from Cleveland earlier in the week, remained out. He hasn’t played since Jan. 14 because of a sprained big toe on his right foot.
Malik Monk had 18 points to lead Sacramento, which hasn't won since beating Washington at home on Jan. 16. Nique Clifford had 16 points and Dylan Cardwell and Devin Carter each had 14 for the Kings. De'Andre Hunter, also acquired from the Cavaliers this week, had six points in his second game for Sacramento.
The Clippers went into halftime trailing 49-48, but took the lead for good with 9:50 left in the fourth quarter on a 3-pointer from Lopez to make it 86-84.
Clippers: At Minnesota on Sunday.
Kings: Host Cleveland on Saturday night.
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Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) draws the foul on Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) draws the foul on Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
Sacramento Kings guard Nique Clifford, right, goes up to shoot with Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. defending during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) attempts to shoot around Sacramento Kings center Dylan Cardwell, center, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
Sacramento Kings guard Nique Clifford, center, goes up to shoot between Los Angeles Clippers forwards John Collins (20) and Derrick Jones Jr., right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
