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Counseling association cancels Nashville conference, calls state law discriminatory

counseling.org

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  --  The nation's largest counseling association announced Tuesday that its national convention will not be held in Nashville next year as planned. The move follows passage of a controversial Tennessee law that allows therapists to refuse treatment to patients based on strongly held personal beliefs.

In a press statement announcing the decision, ACA CEO Richard Yep says that in his 30 years with the 56,000 member organization the Tennessee law is “by far the worst” bill he’s seen a state legislature pass. He characterizes HB1840 as denying “services to those most in need.”

HB1840 and its Senate companion bill were passed by the Republican controlled legislature earlier this year and signed into last month by Republican Gov. Bill Haslam. Supporters say the bill protects the first amendment rights of counselors, while also serving the best interests of patients. Opponents say the law is an attack on the LGBT community.

Yep tells WMOT that his organization will also consider legal action against the state and intends to discipline any member who violates the ACA’s ethical standards in spite of Tennessee's new shield law.

“Our Code of Ethics is really designed to protect the consumer and we’ve stood by that for over 60 years and we’re not about to back down. So, if somebody is found in violation of the code they will be brought up on an ethical violation.”

Yep says if a counselor is found in violation, discipline could range from retraining to a loss of membership. He also says loss of ACA membership could make it difficult for counselors to obtain liability insurance for their practices.

WMOT has reached out twice to the law’s House sponsor, Rep. Dan Howell of Georgetown, Tennessee, but as of this writing received no response.

The full text of the ACA press releases is included below.

Would you like to learn more about HB1840?  Would you like to review the ACA Code of Ethics?

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American Counseling Association Takes a Stand Against Discriminatory Law

 
Association Will Not Hold Its Annual Conference & Expo in Tennessee
 
Alexandria, VA—Tennessee became the latest state to sign into law discriminatory “religious freedom” legislation targeting the counseling profession and LGBTQ community, permitting counselors to deny services and refer clients based on the provider’s “strongly held principles” a clear violation of the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics.
In light of the passage of SB1556/HB1840, ACA members have been very vocal about their opinions on the location of the 2017 Conference & Expo, originally scheduled for Nashville, Tenn. After careful consideration, and taking those comments into account, ACA has decided that the 2017 annual meeting will not be held in Tennessee.
“This was not an easy decision to make,” said Richard Yep, CEO of ACA. “After thoughtful discussion, the ACA Governing Council made the difficult—and courageous—decision on behalf of our membership. Of all the state legislation I have seen passed in my 30 years with ACA, the new Tennessee law based on Senate Bill 1556/House Bill 1840 is by far the worst. This law directly targets the counseling profession, would deny services to those most in need, and constitutes a dilemma for ACA members because it allows for violation of ACA’s Code of Ethics. By relocating from Tennessee, ACA is standing up to this discriminatory law and we remain committed in the battle to ensure that this law does not become the national standard." 
ACA pledged to work with the counselors and citizens of Tennessee to raise awareness of the danger of this new law.
Yep added, “We thank the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation and the Mayor’s office, who offered their support to ACA regardless of our decision to stay in or relocate from Nashville.
“No matter where we hold our 2017 Conference, ACA will continue to advocate on behalf of counselors and the diverse populations that they serve,” Yep stated.
ACA is currently seeking proposals from cities that can accommodate its space requirements and housing needs. More information on the location of the 2017 Conference & Expo will be released as it becomes available.
 
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The American Counseling Association is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. Founded in 1952, ACA is the world's largest association exclusively representing professional counselors in various practice settings. - See more at:www.counseling.org