Kentucky Legislature Protects Counseling and Free Speech in Veto Override
The Kentucky legislature last week overrode Governor Andy Beshear’s veto of a bill that protects the right of counselors to help minor clients struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction and sexual identity confusion.
In September 2024, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order prohibiting certified or licensed counselors from helping minor clients live in accordance with a biblical sexual ethic and their biological sex.
The order prohibited state agencies from using any state or federal funds for so-called “conversion therapy,” which it defined as any counseling involving efforts to “change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity” or to “eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings towards individuals of the same gender.”
The order also directed any state agency to report counselors who provide this kind of therapy to minors to the appropriate professional certification or licensing board for potential disciplinary action.
As we’ve previously written, no counselor or therapist ever says, “I offer conversion therapy.” There is no such clinical practice.
Rather, the term “conversion therapy” was invented by leftist activists who oppose the reality that some people with same-sex attractions or gender identity confusion don’t want to embrace those thoughts, feelings, identities or behaviors. Counseling – where an individual can work with a licensed therapist to reach their own goals and live in accordance with their faith – can be helpful in that process.
In response, the Kentucky Legislature passed HB 495 which nullifies the governor’s executive order, protects Kentucky counselors’ free speech and ability to help clients, and prevents the state from using taxpayer dollars to pay for opposite-sex hormones and transgender surgeries.
Gov. Beshear vetoed HB 495 on March 24. However, the Kentucky House overrode the veto in a 78-20 vote on March 27. The Kentucky Senate also overrode the veto in a 31-6 vote on the same day.
David Walls, Executive Director of The Family Foundation, a Focus on the Family-allied state family policy organization based in Kentucky, issued a statement after the veto override.
“Today’s vote to override Gov. Beshear veto of HB 495 is a win for free speech, religious liberty, and for fiscal and moral sanity,” Walls said, adding,
“Further, the idea that state taxpayers should be footing the bill for gender mutilating treatments of any individual is outrageous,” Walls continued. “To use taxpayer funds for such purposes is not only poor stewardship but encourages individuals to undergo irreparable harm to their person.”
Walls concluded,
The Family Foundation posted on X about HB 495 becoming law:
On March 10, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the case of Kaley Chiles, a licensed counselor in Colorado who is suing the state over its counseling censorship law. Colorado prohibits her from providing minor clients struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction and sexual identity confusion with simple talk therapy, in violation of her right to free speech.
The court will hear the argument in its next term beginning October 2025, with a decision expected around June 2026.
There are 23 states with laws on the books prohibiting “conversion therapy” for minors. A ruling that Colorado’s law is unconstitutional would mean the end of all such counseling censorship laws and a restoration of free speech.
All people struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction and sexual identity confusion should be able to seek help from a licensed counselor, who can help them live according to their goals and a biblical sexual ethic.
We rejoice at The Bluegrass State’s decision to protect counselors’ ability to help minor clients, and we thank all legislators who supported HB 495.
If you or someone you know is struggling with homosexuality or transgenderism, Focus on the Family offers a one-time complimentary consultation with our ministry’s professionally trained counseling staff. The consultation is free due to generous donor support.
To reach Focus on the Family’s counseling service by phone, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can fill out our Counseling Consultation Request Form.
Related articles and resources:
Counseling Consultation & Referrals
Counseling for Sexual Identity Concerns: A Measured, Careful, and Compassionate Approach.
New Video Equips Parents and Counselors to Help ‘Gender Dysphoric’ Children
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Case on Colorado’s Counseling Censorship Law
Colorado Counselor Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Free Speech Case
Appeals Court Permits Colorado’s Counseling Censorship Law to Stand
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