9th Circuit deals major blow to free speech & religious freedom

In a major setback for free speech & religious freedom in America, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this morning against an order granting preliminary injunctive relief from California Senate Bill 1172. This bill makes it illegal for licensed therapists to give counseling to minors that in anyway dissuades them from unwanted same-sex-attractions.

In addition to making it illegal for licensed counselors to dissuade minors from same-sex-attractions, it also makes it illegal to dissuade them from same-sex sexual activities. While proponents of this bill have erroneously noted that this law does not apply to clergy in general, it has a chilling effect by placing clergy who are also licensed therapists in a legal quagmire when giving counseling that coincides with their beliefs and doctrines.

“This decision is a dark day for those who believe in the first Amendment and the rights of parents over the proper upbringing of their children. Make no mistake, we are not finished in our efforts to overturn this outrageous legislation,” said Brad Dacus, President of Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) and a frequent guest on Faith on Trial.

PJI will be evaluating options for appealing this ruling, he said.