Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Counseling
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling [18 VAC 115 ‑ 20]
Action Unprofessional conduct - conversion therapy
Stage NOIRA
Comment Period Ended on 8/7/2019
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8/7/19  9:51 am
Commenter: Kathryn Shanks

Free speech rights by counselors must be protected
 

It is unconscionable for a Virginia Governor to promote the muzzling of citizens who seek to counsel and help teens. The US Constitution  protects our right to free speech. No one—not even a Governor— has the right to decide which words and ideas are allowable and which are not. Gov. Northem swore an oath to uphold the Constitution for all the citizens of this Commonwealth. We will not tolerate any actions by our elected officials that violate our basic human rights. Counselors’ right to free speech must never be limited by any government employee, official, or mandate. Gov. Northem, I urge you to remember what you pledged to us when you took office. Please withdraw your plans to invade the sanctity of the counselor’s domain. It’s just not your right, nor is it your job! 

CommentID: 75247