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# Update: Texas reverses law allowing social workers to deny LGBTQ+ clients
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/update-texas-reverses-law-allowing-social-workers-to-deny-lgbtq-clients/
- Published: 2020-10-31T11:11:18.000Z
- Updated: 2020-10-31T08:18:09.000Z
- Description: The state of Texas has reversed its decision to allow social workers to deny LGBTQ+ and disabled clients.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Politics, Anti-discrimination laws US, LGBTQ, Texas

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

The state of **Texas** has reversed its [decision](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/new-law-allows-texas-social-workers-to-refuse-lgbtq-or-disabled-clients/) to allow social workers to refuse LGBTQ+ and disabled clients after the **State Board of Social Work Examiners** voted unanimously to eradicate protections from discrimination earlier this month. According to **[NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/texas-reverses-decision-allowed-social-workers-deny-lgbtq-disabled-clients-n1245006?ref=scenemag.co.uk)**, the anti-discrimination rules were reinstated after over 2,400 signed a petition against the change in legislation.

The removal of discrimination protections was first suggested by Texas governor **Greg Abbott** on the grounds the current social work codes ‘go beyond’ the anti-discrimination rulings in state. Gloria Canseco, a representative of Abbott, apologised for the law change, telling the **[Texas Tribune](https://www.texastribune.org/2020/10/27/texas-social-workers-lgbtq-disabilities-discrimination/?utm%5Fcampaign=trib-social&utm%5Fcontent=1603816689&utm%5Fmedium=social&utm%5Fsource=twitter)** it was *“perceived as hostile to the LGBTQ+ community or to disabled persons”.*

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

**Will Francis**, executive director of the **Texas division of National Association of Social Workers**, applauded the decision to reintroduce laws to protect LGBTQ+ and disabled clients: *“This was a big win today for advocacy, the board and for non-discrimination. But this is still Texas, and there are not underlying protections for LGBTQ persons. So had these non-discrimination protections been stripped away, that really would have left people vulnerable, so we need legislation that ensures that there is protection.”*

Francis also suggested there is a chance non-discrimination policies could still be ‘diluted’ as there are ongoing discussions surrounding a ‘change of conduct’ for social workers.