Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has signed discriminatory legislation that allows counselors and therapists to refuse treatment based on their religious objections or personal beliefs.  The American Counseling Association has  called the legislation an “unprecedented attack” on the counseling profession.

Chris Sanders, Executive Director of Tennessee Equality Project (Equality Federation member group) said, “We are particularly concerned about the impact on LGBT people in rural parts of the state where counseling resources are few. Passage of the bill makes it more likely that other professions will be targeted during the next legislative session. It also makes it more likely that other states will face similar legislation. Our opponents discovered a narrow path to legal discrimination that works, so it’s important that the national movement for equality take note.”

Tennessee Equality Project has also launched Counseling Unconditionally, an initiative to identify and build support among counselors and therapists.