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Tennessee became the latest state to sign into law discriminatory “religious freedom” legislation targeting the counseling profession and LGBTQ community, permitting counselors to deny services and refer clients based on the provider’s “strongly held principles” a clear violation of the �ֲ���ý’s Code of Ethics.

In light of the passage of SB1556/HB1840, �ֲ���ýmembers have been very vocal about their opinions on the location of the 2017 Conference & Expo, originally scheduled for Nashville, Tenn. After careful consideration, and taking those comments into account, �ֲ���ýhas decided that the 2017 annual meeting will not be held in Tennessee.

“This was not an easy decision to make,” said Richard Yep, CEO of ACA. “After thoughtful discussion, the �ֲ���ýGoverning Council made the difficult—and courageous—decision on behalf of our membership. Of all the state legislation I have seen passed in my 30 years with ACA, the new Tennessee law based on Senate Bill 1556/House Bill 1840 is by far the worst. This law directly targets the counseling profession, would deny services to those most in need, and constitutes a dilemma for �ֲ���ýmembers because it allows for violation of ACA’s Code of Ethics. By relocating from Tennessee, �ֲ���ýis standing up to this discriminatory law and we remain committed in the battle to ensure that this law does not become the national standard."

�ֲ���ýpledged to work with the counselors and citizens of Tennessee to raise awareness of the danger of this new law.

Yep added, “We thank the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation and the Mayor’s office, who offered their support to �ֲ���ýregardless of our decision to stay in or relocate from Nashville.

“No matter where we hold our 2017 Conference, �ֲ���ýwill continue to advocate on behalf of counselors and the diverse populations that they serve,” Yep stated.

�ֲ���ýis currently seeking proposals from cities that can accommodate its space requirements and housing needs. More information on the location of the 2017 Conference & Expo will be released as it becomes available.

Watch this  from Richard Yep, explaining ACA's decision to relocate the 2017 Conference & Expo.  

Learn more about ACA's response to SB1556/HB1840 .