In Boca Raton, Florida, two therapists who argued against bans on controversial conversion therapy have been awarded close to $737,000 in attorney fees and expenses, following the settlement of the case by the city and county.
Dr. Robert Otto and Dr. Julie Hamilton challenged the ordinances imposed by Boca Raton and Palm Beach County in 2017, which sought to prohibit licensed professional counselors from conducting sexual orientation change efforts. The decision had been motivated by concerns that such therapy showed substantial health risks on minors. The two therapists therefore sued in 2018, asserting that the bans infringed on their rights for free speech.
Despite the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida initially denying their request for a preliminary injunction, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals— on review— reversed this denial and thereby generated momentum for their cause.
All in all, the therapists’ legal victory raises compelling questions regarding the balance between policies aimed at protecting public health and individual rights to free speech.
Details of this issue can be explored in further depth in the original report on this matter. To follow the ongoing development of this case, professional insights can be found here.