TODAY, Tuesday, January 28, at 11 a.m. the Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Work Examining Board will hold a public hearing at 4822 Madison Yards Way (Hill Farms State Office Building), Room N208, in Madison.
CLICK HERE to send email NOW
(SEE TALKING POINTS BELOW)
Also, send an email to Jon Derenee, Director at DSPSAdminRules@wisconsin.gov.
The purpose of the hearing is to consider a permanent rule relating to unethical and unprofessional conduct.
Administrative Code Chapter Affected: Ch. MPSW 20 (Revised)
Part of the changes being proposed greatly concern us:
- Adding gender and gender identity to the list of protected classes in the anti-discrimination language. (section (8) of the proposed rule change)
- Determining that using or promoting “any intervention or method that has the purpose of attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including attempting to change behaviors or expressions of self or to reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender” would constitute unethical or unprofessional conduct.
Essentially this rule would ban talk therapy or counseling that warns people that certain behaviors related to sexual behavior or gender identity can be dangerous or that offers a different approach or way of thinking (including exposing people to God’s design and plan) could result in the therapist, counselor or social worker being disciplined, up to and including losing their license.
CLICK HERE to send email NOW
(SEE TALKING POINTS BELOW)
Also, send an email to Jon Derenee, Director at DSPSAdminRules@wisconsin.gov.
This proposal is uniquely different from the bill that is before the state legislature (AB 111/SB 107) that would prohibit certain mental health providers from engaging in so-called “conversion therapy” (i.e., talk therapy/counseling) with minors dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction or unwanted gender confusion and from similar ordinances that have passed in several communities in the last couple of years. First, this rule is not restricted to minors; it applies to anyone at any age. Second, nothing about a “fee for services” is mentioned, meaning whether or not money for services is exchanged, this rule would apply. Third, the rule provides no religious exemption/exception.
Citizens wanting to be part of the public record on this issue, must submit their written comments by email no later than 11 a.m. tomorrow morning, or they can make an appearance before the Board.
Eventually, the state legislature will have an opportunity to review this proposal; but that is down the road a bit.
CLICK HERE to send email NOW
(SEE TALKING POINTS BELOW)
Also, send an email to Jon Derenee, Director at DSPSAdminRules@wisconsin.gov.
We believe this is an end-run around the normal legislative process, done to expedite these changes and keep people like the governor from having to actually sign-off on the language.
Wisconsin Family Action strongly opposes this proposed rule change, which if passed, will have the full weight and effect of a law in our state. Christians who have a license as a marriage and family therapist or a professional counselor or a social worker would be directly impacted by this rule, even to the point of losing their license and thereby potentially losing their livelihood.
CLICK HERE to send email NOW
Also, send an email to Jon Derenee, Director at DSPSAdminRules@wisconsin.gov.
Below are some helpful “talking points” to assist you with your message:
- Removing the word sex and replacing it with gender and gender identity in the discrimination rule changes the meaning of sex, which the federal government has affirmed refers to one’s biological makeup. Gender and sex are not the same. Gender is a politically correct idea that is not founded in science, whereas sex is a biological, scientific reality. The state has not equated these terms either. No agency should get to make this decision.
- Marriage and family therapists, professional counselors and social workers have First Amendment rights of freedom of speech. Section 25 essentially forces all holding these licenses to give only one form of speech when it comes to treating someone dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction or unwanted gender confusion. Talk therapy is an intervention or method used by many therapists, counselors and social workers to help people make wise decisions. Their not being able to warn people about what can happen as a result of acting on their attractions and/or confusion is irresponsible at best.
- We all agree that bullying, intimidation, shock therapy, or any kind of truly abusive behavior is wrong and is truly unethical and unprofessional conduct. But talking to people about realities, about biological truth, and educating them on risks is what good counselors, therapists and social workers should all have the right to do.
