April 21, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Anti-LGBT Tennessee law allows doctors to discriminate

Governor Bill Haslam signed into law the US's first ever law that allows medical professionals to discriminate against LGBT patients.
Governor Bill Haslam signed into law the US’s first ever law that allows medical professionals to discriminate against LGBT patients.

BY TROY MASTERS | Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam today signed into law a bill that allows licensed counselors or therapists to deny treatment to any client if the patients ‘goals, (desired) outcomes or behaviors” do not align with the counselor’s “sincerely held principles.” 

The law has been roundly denounced by the American Counseling Association.  The group called the legislation a “hate bill” against LGBT people that can be used against anybody.  

The new law shields therapists against civil suits and criminal prosecution and prevents any sanctions from licensing agents. Among the many questions about the law is how it collides with accreditation organization rules and whether it violates any federal laws.

Therapists who wish to refuse clients are required under the law to make referrals but does require treatment by the counselor unless a patient is “in imminent danger of harming themselves or others.”

Haslam told the Tennessean (newspaper) that at first he “was concerned about the legislation – the connotations,” but because counselors are required to provide emergency care in life threatening situation and refer other clients they did not want to treat he signed the bill.

It is the latest in a series of “religious freedom.” Tennessee’s Senate approved the counseling bill 27-5 in February and the House on 68-22 on April 6. 

Upon signing the bill into law today the governor issued this statement:  “The substance of this bill doesn’t address a group, issue or belief system. Rather, it allows counselors – just as we allow other professionals like doctors and lawyers – to refer a client to another counselor when the goals or behaviors would violate a sincerely held principle. I believe it is reasonable to allow these professionals to determine if and when an individual would be better served by another counselor better suited to meet his or her needs.”

Obviously no one would want a therapist who they do not like and obviously would not want to be treated by one who does not like them.  But why is a law necessary?

Chris Sanders, Executive Director of the Tennessee Equality Project, said “There may also be a repeal effort, but it will be uphill and have to wait until January.” The group has launched a new campaign, Counseling Unconditionally, to allow counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers to identify themselves as practitioners who will not turn away clients simply based on their values and principles.

The American Counseling Association is working on a vigorous response, according to Art Terrazas, a spokesman for the group. The Pride will provide more details as they are made available.

Related Posts

Los Angeles City Attorney Sues Over Illegal Rentals, Wildfire Price Gouging

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

City Attorney Seeks Permanent Ban and Millions in Penalties for Operators City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has filed a civil...

Multi-Concept Asian Restaurant Coming to Prime Sunset Strip Corner

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Round 1 Delicious Inks Lease for Asian Dining Concept in WeHo West Hollywood will be the location for a high-end...

Hollywood Legend Raquel Welch’s Former Home Changes Hands in Beverly Glen

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

The Late Actress’s Longtime Residence Sold for $3.1 Million More than two years after Raquel Welch’s passing, the late actress’s...

Heads-Up, Westside: Downtown Santa Monica Traffic to Increase with Pali High Move

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Santa Monica Braces for School Traffic Surge Following Wildfire Displacement Drivers throughout Westside communities, from Brentwood to Pacific Palisades, should...

Rents Stay Stable, but Economic Shifts Threaten the Balance

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Tariffs and Tight Supply Could End Flat Rent Streak After more than a year of minimal fluctuation, asking rents, or...

Veterans Collective Gets State Backing to Transform West LA Campus

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

State Funds Jumpstart Construction of 250 Homes and More Construction of new housing and a long-envisioned town center at the...

(Video) Malibu Discovery Party at Santa Monica Place

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

Desserts by Copenhagen Bakery. North Italia Restaurant. Rosenthal Winery. Bristol Farms. Beautiful Sea Creatures. Chrysalis. Desserts by Copenhagen Bakery. North...

UCLA Community Protests Detention of International Grad Student at Border

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

Professor Says Student Has Been Denied Access to Her Lawyer Today, an international graduate student from UCLA was taken into...

West Hollywood City Council to Host Town Hall to Confront Trump’s Alarming Policies

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

Resource Fair and Panel to Empower Residents Amid Political Uncertainty. The City of West Hollywood will host a town hall...

Courtroom Fireworks Amid Delay Next Phase in Menendez Case on Thursday

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

Prosecutors, Defense Trade Barbs as Menendez Resentencing Hits Snag Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic has postponed a...

Experience Poetry Like Never Before at the Getty Center’s Central Garden

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

The Series Invites Visitors to Explore Art, Nature, and Sound in Harmony The Getty Center will host a new outdoor...

Newsom, Bonta Seek Court Ruling to Void Trump’s Tariffs and Economic Crisis

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

Economic Fallout Prompts California Lawsuit Against Trump’s Tariffs California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit...

Film Review: The Shrouds

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

By Dolores Quintana Canada’s cinematic maestro of body horror’s newest film is The Shrouds. While it is not a traditional...

The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood Pours on the Charm with New Afternoon Tea

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

Organic Teas, Sweet Treats, Artisan Touches to Relax in Style  A block south of Sunset Boulevard, The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood...

(Video) Matū Kai Brentwood Friends and Family Dinner

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

Matü Old Fashioned: Bourbon, Maple Syrup, Bitters, and a Burnt Orange Peel. Amazing 24-Hour Bone Broth. Look at that steam....