FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2024
BOISE, IDAHO – Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed Senate Bill 1352 into law. This necessary legislation protects the fundamental rights of mental health professionals to decline services that violate their beliefs without fear of loss of licensure or civil or criminal action.
According to statewide public opinion polling commissioned by Idaho Family Policy Center, more than 56% of likely Idaho voters agree that counselors and other mental health providers should not face legal or professional consequences for providing talk therapy intended to help patients overcome unwanted same-sex attraction or gender confusion.
Dozens of states nationwide have put laws in place that hamstring and punish mental health professionals who attempt to genuinely help their patients. For example, a licensed counselor in our neighboring state of Washington is suing state officials (Tingley v. Ferguson) to challenge their unconstitutional law under which counselors are fined and professionally disciplined.
Idaho Family Policy Center wants to thank Governor Brad Little and our state legislators for taking this meaningful step to protect the rights of mental health professionals in the Gem State.
A statement from Blaine Conzatti, President of Idaho Family Policy Center:
Around the country, the so-called “tolerant” left is actively compelling ideological conformity when it comes to affirming ascendant political and moral positions, especially on issues related to sexuality and gender.
Unfortunately, counselors and therapists have become particularly vulnerable to these types of attacks—and mental health professionals who refuse to affirm gender confusion and same-sex attraction due to their Christian beliefs are the most severely affected.
This is why Senate Bill 1352 is so important: No one should ever be coerced into speaking something that violates their sincerely held moral or religious beliefs.
Media Contact:
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact our communications manager, Morgan MaGill, at (208) 260-5844 or [email protected].
