Catholic therapists challenge Michigan law over counseling for minors experiencing gender dysphoria

[Michie]

WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Catholic therapists in Michigan on July 12 filed a lawsuit in a federal court challenging a state law banning “conversion therapy,” arguing it restricts their ability to provide counseling to children experiencing gender dysphoria, the feeling of distress that one’s biological sex and gender identity are not aligned.

Becket, a Washington-based religious liberty law firm, said it is representing Emily McJones, a Catholic therapist in Lansing, Michigan, who said she counsels children and adults on a wide variety of life issues, and many of her clients share her Catholic faith.

Lawsuit claims: Restrictions on counseling for gender dysphoria​

The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan argues that the law limits the ability of counselors like McJones to explore with clients experiencing gender dysphoria “the underlying factors that may be contributing to their distress, and to help them accept and embrace their biological sex.”

A Catholic Charities’ counseling ministry is also a plaintiff, along with McJones, in the lawsuit Catholic Charities v. Whitmer. The suit argues HB 4616 — signed into law in 2023 by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — limits counselors’ ability to explore possible underlying causes or concurring mental health challenges in cases of children experiencing a conflict between their biological sex and their gender identity. It claims HB 4616 instead requires counselors to affirm children in the belief they “were born in the wrong body” and assist them by means of puberty-blocking drugs, hormones or surgeries, to which some providers may object.

Faith-based counseling​

Continued below.

Catholic therapists challenge Michigan law over counseling for minors experiencing gender dysphoria

The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan argues that the law limits the ability of counselors like Emily McJones to explore with clients experiencing gender dysphoria "the underlying factors that may be contributing to their distress, and to help them accept...

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[Chrystal-J]

I hope the Catholic therapists win that one.

 

[Michie]

Everyone has this idea therapy having to do with gender and sexual preferences these days ties into the therapy used in the old days. Not true. But there were some documentaries I watched having to do with fundamental Churches that could be oppressive. But no shock therapy, etc. that everyone imagines. I have to say I admire ‘Courage’ within the RCC.

 

[boughtwithaprice]

Everyone has this idea therapy having to do with gender and sexual preferences these days ties into the therapy used in the old days. Not true. But there were some documentaries I watched having to do with fundamental Churches that could be oppressive. But no shock therapy, etc. that everyone imagines. I have to say I admire ‘Courage’ within the RCC.

I think these laws should be challenged based on the establishment clause of the constitution.
Congress shall make no law regarding the establishment of a religion.

Transgender issues and gender dysphoria are entities for which there is no proven benefit. Adherents believe they are good. That makes them of faith, and it is unconstitutional to enforce religious beliefs by the government

 

[RileyG]

I hope the Catholic therapists win that one.

Amen.

 

[RileyG]

Everyone has this idea therapy having to do with gender and sexual preferences these days ties into the therapy used in the old days. Not true. But there were some documentaries I watched having to do with fundamental Churches that could be oppressive. But no shock therapy, etc. that everyone imagines. I have to say I admire ‘Courage’ within the RCC.

Me too! Unfortunately, some leftist within the Church ***cough*** Fr. Martin ***cough*** think Courage is oppressive and lets mean and women with SSA repress their desires. Ugh. So saddening.

 

[boughtwithaprice]

Me too! Unfortunately, some leftist within the Church ***cough*** Fr. Martin ***cough*** think Courage is oppressive and lets mean and women with SSA repress their desires. Ugh. So saddening.

We are called to mortify the flesh. Does Father Martin accuse God of forcing us to repress our desires?

Unless we die to self, we cannot enter the kingdom of God. Let everyone that follows me deny himself and take up his cross, so says Our Lord

 

[RileyG]

We are called to mortify the flesh. Does Father Martin accuse God of forcing us to repress our desires?

Unless we die to self, we cannot enter the kingdom of God. Let everyone that follows me deny himself and take up his cross, so says Our Lord

Amen.