Committee advances bill on 'protected counseling' after hours of emotional testimony

Representative Salient Hale (sponsor) told the Committee on State Government that House Bill 495 is intended to protect mental health professionals, institutions and ordained ministers who provide what the bill describes as "protected counseling services." The bill sponsor said the three‑page measure protects speech- and talk-based therapies offered with the stated goal of relieving discomfort or distress related to an individual’s sexual orientation or romantic attraction, provided the services "involve no obscene materials or aversive treatments." He framed the measure as a parental‑choice protection: "parents and guardians should have the right, if they so choose, to seek professional guidance," he said.

Multiple licensed clinicians, social work leaders and survivors testified in opposition. Dr. Eric Russ, executive director of the…