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"Hate Bill"
Gov. Bill Haslam has signed into law a controversial bill that says a licensed counselor or therapist need not counsel a client whose "goals, outcomes or behaviors” conflict with the counselor’s “sincerely held principles”. The American Counseling Association has called the legislation a “hate bill” against gay and transgender people. The legislation shields counselors from prosecution provided they refer the client to another counselor who would serve them. It's provisions will not apply in cases where the person seeking or undergoing counseling is “in imminent danger of harming themselves or others.” Counselors who refuse to counsel clients could however loose their national certification. The American Counseling Association condemned the legislation saying it has the potential to jeopardize the state’s federal healthcare funding and business interests. Spokesperson Art Terrazas said " this bill codifies discrimination. It not only affects Tennesseans seeking counseling, but will also have unintended consequences that will reach Tennesseans in all walks of life including a business owner simply trying to attract out of state clients.The American Counseling Association remains committed to fighting legislation like this across the country and to ensuring that counselors who improperly or unethically refuse services to clients in need continue to be held accountable.”
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Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
US 411 Project News
Mill Creek Wildfire Update
More Bad News For Smokies' Fans
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Mill Creek Wildfire doubles in size
Goodbye Smokies?
Keep Cocke County Beautiful
Cocke Co. High School Remote Learning today!
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The fireflies are coming!
Burnout Operations on MillCreek wildfire today
Gas prices drop
Tennessee keeps all US House seats
Monday, April 26, 2021
Boat accident victim ID'd
Traffic stop yields drug arrest
Cocke County Wildfires
Friday, April 23, 2021
Leaving WNPC
Mathis announces candidacy
Newport drug roundup
Cruise Against Cancer
Jobless numbers
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