The lawsuit, filed on behalf of a Catholic charity group and therapist in Lansing, claims the state’s ban violates free speech protections.
A Michigan law passed last year penalizes mental health care providers if they try to change a young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Nessel says the lawsuit lacks legal standing.
She argues the plaintiffs’ are not performing ‘conversion therapy’ under the law.
Nessel also says the state maintains the right to regulate professional conduct like licensing mental health professionals.
She says Michigan’s ban on conversion therapy for minors is in line with the broader medical community, which has discredited the practice.