Madison, WI-Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) applauds the United States Supreme Court’s decisive 8–1 ruling in Chiles v. Salazardeciding so called “conversion therapy bans” are viewpoint discrimination.
Chiles centered on a challenge to a Colorado state law that prohibited licensed professionals from engaging in talk therapy related to sexual orientation or gender identity.
In the ruling, the Court made it clear that state and local government cannot ban free speech for licensed mental health professionals, even when they affirm biological gender.
This ruling has direct implications in Wisconsin. In 2020, Governor Evers’ administration adopted new rules for mental health professionals with nearly identical language to the law overturned by the United States Supreme Court.
“No Wisconsinite should be denied the freedom to pursue counseling that aligns with biological truth and their deeply held beliefs,” Degner said. “And no counselor should face the threat of losing their license simply for speaking honestly and compassionately with a willing client.”
State and local governments with viewpoint discrimination laws should act immediately to remove these unconstitutional bans. We urge DSPS to immediately address MPSW §20.02 (25) before a costly lawsuit is filed.
WFA remains committed to advancing policies that protect free speech, restore truth in counseling, and ensure that individuals and families have access to counseling rooted in truth and human dignity.
