Independence Law Center Responds to U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Chiles v. Salazar
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Independence Law Center (ILC) today issued the following statements in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Chiles v. Salazar, affirming First Amendment protections for counseling conversations between professionals and clients. Independence Law Center filed an amicus brief supporting Chiles, who was represented by Alliance Defending Freedom.
The following can be attributed to Randall Wenger, Chief Counsel, Independence Law Center, on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Chiles v. Salazar:
“We welcome today’s decision from the U.S. Supreme Court affirming that the First Amendment protects the freedom of professionals to speak and serve clients without government-imposed viewpoint restrictions.
People are best helped when they are free to pursue counseling that aligns with their sincerely held beliefs and personal goals. This decision reinforces that individuals should not be forced into a single approved perspective but should remain free to seek guidance that reflects their values.
By dictating that such restrictions must survive the most exacting level of judicial scrutiny, this ruling protects the fundamental principle that every person deserves the freedom to receive counseling consistent with their convictions.”
The following statement can be attributed to Jeremy Samek, Senior Counsel, Independence Law Center, on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Chiles v. Salazar:
“This decision is critically important to Pennsylvanians. Governor Shapiro has been working to restrict citizens from obtaining the counseling they choose. Several Pennsylvania cities, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, have already done this through unconstitutional bans that prevent individuals from seeking professional help for unwanted sexual desires.
The Court’s ruling affirms that talk therapy is protected speech under the First Amendment. Just as a counselor may assist a client who wishes to reduce his use of pornography, a same-sex attracted individual has the right to seek professional help to cope with, reduce, or abstain from acting on those attractions. Likewise, a teen girl has an equal right to counseling that helps her feel comfortable with her sex.
Today’s decision protects the freedom of both counselors and clients to speak openly and pursue the counseling goals they choose.”
About Independence Law Center
The Independence Law Center is a pro-bono civil rights and public policy law firm.
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