Cafe Inquiry (Grand Rapids) - Is Conversion Therapy "Speech"?

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy – aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation – on the grounds that such a ban violates the free speech rights of the therapist. But is talk therapy “speech”, or is it something else entirely? At the next Café Inquiry Grand Rapids, we’ll look at conversion therapy - what it is and how professional organizations view it. We’ll also examine how a decision striking down the ban – which seems likely at this point – may have an impact far beyond this specific case. Links to background materials will be posted here a week or so prior to the meeting. Hope to see you there!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.