Anti-LGBT service denial bill passed in Tennessee

Approving what opponents describe as a “hate bill,” Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed into law April 27 a bill that allows licensed counselor and therapists to deny service to consumers who possess “behaviors” that conflict with the licensee’s values.

According to an April 27 report published in USA Today, the governor okayed the bill despite acknowledging that doing so could be of detriment to the state’s image.

The American Counseling Association has called the bill discriminatory, targeting gay and transgender people. The Association also expressed concerns that the bill would further hinder access to therapists in rural areas across the state, according to the report.

Read the report here.