LGBT News Haslam’s Signature Seals It: Counselors Can Turn Away Clients Over Religious Objectio

BradThePug · Apr 28, 2016

On Wednesday afternoon, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed legislation allowing counselors to refuse patients for religious reasons. Tennessee is the first state to pass such a law.

His signature wasn't entirely surprising: At a recent event, Haslam defended the proposal against claims that it would limit access to therapy for LGBT clients. Citing two specific requirements, the governor says the bill won't give therapists carte blanche to reject patients.

First, says Haslam, "if there’s any kind of life-threatening issue, then you accept the client. Number two, the client has to be referred to someone else if — for your own reason — you think you can’t serve them in the best way."

Many opponents have criticized the proposal as an anti-LGBT measure, and the American Counseling Association has condemned Haslam's decision to sign the bill, drawing parallels to other "discriminatory 'religious freedom' legislation targeting the LGBTQ community" in states like North Carolina, Georgia and Mississippi.
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Skaros · Apr 28, 2016

Re: Haslam’s Signature Seals It: Counselors Can Turn Away Clients Over Religious Obje

I can just imagine it.

"Please, I need help. I'm addicted to drugs."

"Sorry, I can't help you. Drugs are against my religious beliefs."

I understand if therapists feel they can't sufficiently help someone if they are LGBT because of prejudices, but that's basically giving them an excuse to not do their job. Such a law can be applied to many reasons.

LGBT News Haslam’s Signature Seals It: Counselors Can Turn Away Clients Over Religious Objectio

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LGBT News Haslam’s Signature Seals It: Counselors Can Turn Away Clients Over Religious Objectio

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