Post by Logan on Jun 9, 2016 1:49:02 GMT -6
Lawsuit Filed Over Tennessee 'Religious Freedom' Law Allowing Counselors to Refuse LGBT People
LGBT activists Bleu Copas and Caleb Laieski have filed a lawsuit against Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam over a bill he signed into law that allows mental health professionals to refuse service to LGBT people based on their religious beliefs or personal principles. The law, the two activists claim, violates the United States and Tennessee Constitutions.
"This kind of discrimination sends a message to an already marginalized group of Tennesseans. Beyond the blatant and subliminal ethic code violations, this type of legislation creates barriers at a time when building trust is paramount," Copas, a Tennessee native who holds a Master's in counseling, said in a statement.
The law requires therapists and counselors who refuse service to refer the client to another therapist, but given that one-quarter of Tennessee residents live in rural areas, that could present immediate challenges, especially for LGBTQ youth.
“The goal is to send a clear message to Tennessee that discrimination will not be tolerated, especially when it jeopardizes folks seeking mental health services,” Laieski, a Washington, D.C. resident, adds.
Read more: www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/davidbadash/lawsuit_filed_against_tennessee_religious_freedom_law_allowing_counselors_to_refuse_lgbt_people
LGBT activists Bleu Copas and Caleb Laieski have filed a lawsuit against Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam over a bill he signed into law that allows mental health professionals to refuse service to LGBT people based on their religious beliefs or personal principles. The law, the two activists claim, violates the United States and Tennessee Constitutions.
"This kind of discrimination sends a message to an already marginalized group of Tennesseans. Beyond the blatant and subliminal ethic code violations, this type of legislation creates barriers at a time when building trust is paramount," Copas, a Tennessee native who holds a Master's in counseling, said in a statement.
The law requires therapists and counselors who refuse service to refer the client to another therapist, but given that one-quarter of Tennessee residents live in rural areas, that could present immediate challenges, especially for LGBTQ youth.
“The goal is to send a clear message to Tennessee that discrimination will not be tolerated, especially when it jeopardizes folks seeking mental health services,” Laieski, a Washington, D.C. resident, adds.
Read more: www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/davidbadash/lawsuit_filed_against_tennessee_religious_freedom_law_allowing_counselors_to_refuse_lgbt_people