New Texas Rule Allows Social Workers To Turn Away LGBTQ Clients

AUSTIN, TX — Criticism continued to mount this weekend after a state regulatory board this week unanimously voted to alter its code of conduct as it relates to social workers' decisions in serving some clients, a move that effectively allows workers to turn away people on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Critics of the action taken by the Austin-based Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners that was recommended by the office of Gov. Greg Abbott effectively removes protections for LGBTQ and clients with disabilities seeking social work services, critics contend. In its changed form, the code no longer prohibits social workers from turning away certain clients.

In recommending the action, Abbott's office noted the code's non-discrimination protections go beyond safeguards outlined in the state law governing how and when social workers can be disciplined, as the Texas Tribune explained in its report.

Those criticizing the law take a decidedly different view. Will Francis, executive director of the Texas chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, is among those dismayed by the change he painted as "incredibly disheartening," as he told the Tribune. Francis also critized board members for removing protections without having secured input from the very social workers board members license and oversee.

Steven Parks, a social worker in private practice in Houston, told the Tribune the change represents "...both a professional and a personal gut punch."

On Saturday, Texas Democratic Party Communications Director Abhi Rahman added his voice to the growing chorus of complaints over the Abbott-directed move: “F0r decades, Texas Republicans like Greg Abbott have done everything within their power to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ and disabled Texans," Rahman said in a prepared statement. "Over the years Republicans severely cut funding and protections which once served these communities and have taken legal action to further limit their constitutional rights.”

Rahman painted the latest move to remove protections for certain clients seeking social worker guidance as part of the perceived pattern: “Now Abbott furthers that discrimination by changing the state’s code of conduct for social workers, allowing them to turn away vulnerable clients on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or disability," he said. "The governor's orders install systemic ignorance and intolerance rather than inclusion and empathy.”

In the midst of an election year, Rahman urged those sharing his ire to express their dissatisfaction at the ballot box: “Y’all Means All in Texas!" he wrote in his prepared statement. "During this early voting period and on election day, we must elect Democrats on the ballot to truly represent the diverse makeup of their communities and of the entire state.”