A bill that would allow counselors to turn away patients based on sincerely held personal beliefs has passed in the House in Tennessee and was close to getting to the governor. The Senate, which already passed the measure, still has to approve an amendment adopted by the House.
The bill passed 68 to 22 following a rancorous debate on the House floor.
Opponents of the measure said it would allow therapists to discriminate against gays and other people who are vulnerable and need therapy. Proponents said it takes into account the rights of everyone, including the therapists.
The American Counseling Association has condemned the measure.
The bill was part of a wave of proposals across the country that would allow people to deny services to gays based on religious beliefs.
