New Texas rule lets social workers turn away clients who are LGBTQ or have a disability [View all]

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New TX Rule Lets Social Workers Reject LGBTQ Clients
October 15, 2020 Christianists, LGBT News

The Texas Tribune reports:

Texas social workers are criticizing a state regulatory board’s decision this week to remove protections for LGBTQ clients and clients with disabilities who seek social work services.

The Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners voted unanimously Monday to change a section of its code of conduct that establishes when a social worker may refuse to serve someone. The code will no longer prohibit social workers from turning away clients on the basis of disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Gov. Greg Abbott’s office recommended the change, board members said, because the code’s nondiscrimination protections went beyond protections laid out in the state law that governs how and when the state may discipline social workers.

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The Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners' code of conduct will no longer prohibit social workers from turning away clients on the basis of disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

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New Texas rule lets social workers turn away clients who are LGBTQ or have a disability

A professional organization of social workers called the change "incredibly disheartening," while Gov. Greg Abbott's office said it was necessary to conform with existing state law.

BY EDGAR WALTERS OCT. 14, 2020 12 PM