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# New law allows Texas social workers to refuse LGBTQ+ or disabled clients
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/new-law-allows-texas-social-workers-to-refuse-lgbtq-or-disabled-clients/
- Published: 2020-10-18T08:30:46.000Z
- Updated: 2020-10-17T07:36:54.000Z
- Description: The Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners voted unanimously to eradicate protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Politics, Houston, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+ rights, Texas

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/texas-1.jpg)

On **Monday 12 October**, the **Texas** State Board of Social Work Examiners voted unanimously to eradicate protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or disability; this means social workers can refuse clients on these grounds. According to **[The Texas Tribune](https://www.texastribune.org/2020/10/14/texas-social-workers-rule-discrimination-lgbt-disabilities/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)**, the change in legislation was suggested by Texas governor **Greg Abbott** because the current social work codes ‘go beyond’ the anti-discrimination rulings in state law.

The reformed rulings prohibit the refusal of social care on the basis of *“the recipient’s age, sex, race, religion, national origin, colour, or political affiliation”* but fails to mention the LGBTQ+ community or those with disabilities. **Will Francis**, executive director National Association of Social Workers in Texas, called the decision *“incredibly disheartening”* due to its implications for the LGBTQ+ community and disabled people.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/texas-pride-1.jpg)

**Steven Parks**, a **Houston** based social worker, added: *“It’s both a professional and a personal gut punch. “There’s now a grey area between what’s legally allowed and ethically responsible. The law should never allow a social worker to legally do unethical things.”*