United States Third Circuit

In this case challenging a recently-enacted statute, N.J. Stat. Ann. section 45:1-55, which prohibits licensed counselors from engaged in "sexual orientation change efforts" with a client under the age of 18, the district court's rejection of plaintiffs' First Amendment claims and judgment that plaintiffs lacked standing to bring claims on behalf of their minor clients is affirmed, where: 1) section 45:1-55 passes intermediate scrutiny as a regulation of professional speech; 2) section 45:1-55 does not violate plaintiffs' right to free exercise of religion, as it is a neutral and generally applicable law that is rationally related to a legitimate government interest; and 3) plaintiffs lack standing to bring claims on behalf of their minor clients.

Appellate Information

• Decided 09/11/2014
• Published 09/11/2014

Judges

• Smith

Court

• United States Third Circuit

Counsel