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Hearing on bill to allow non‑affirming counseling divides social-work community
Summary
Representative Lori Van Winkle told the House Human Services Committee that House Bill 1430 would allow licensed social workers to offer counseling that "aligns with heterosexuality or the individual's biological sex" when requested by a client, reversing an administrative‑rule prohibition.
Representative Lori Van Winkle told the House Human Services Committee that House Bill 1430 would restore options for clients and remove what she described as an administrative rule that prevents licensed social workers from offering counseling that aligns with a client's religious or traditional beliefs about sexual orientation or gender. Van Winkle identified the rule as "75.5-02-06.1.01" and said the change was necessary so therapists and clients could choose among available treatments.
Van Winkle said the June 2021 administrative rule change made it "an ethical violation for a social worker licensed by the board to engage in any practices or treatment that attempt to change or repair the sexual orientation or gender identity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning individuals," and argued that licensed providers should be allowed to use "all the tools in their tool belt" when a client requests them.
Supporters who spoke at the hearing said the bill protects client choice and clinicians' freedom to offer…
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