THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

The measure also shields counselor who refuses to provide services from civil lawsuits, criminal prosecution and sanctions from the state's licensing board. However, said counselor must coordinate a referral of the client to another counselor who would serve them.

Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the ACLU of Tennessee, said in a statement, "We are disappointed that the governor has chosen to sign this troubling bill into law. This measure is rooted in the dangerous misconception that religion can be used as a free pass to discriminate. Allowing counselors to treat some potential clients differently from others based on their personal beliefs defies professional standards and could cause significant harm to vulnerable people.

"This law is yet another attack on the LGBT community in the wake of marriage equality—but we will continue to fight until LGBT Tennesseans are treated fairly and equally in every part of their lives."

Art Terrazas, the director of government relations at the American Counseling Association, said in a separate release, "We are extremely disappointed that Governor Haslam has ignored the lessons learned in North Carolina, Georgia, and Mississippi and has elected to sign this dangerous bill into law.

"Plain and simple, this bill codifies discrimination. It not only disproportionately affects LGBTQ Tennesseans seeking counseling, but will also have unintended consequences that will reach Tennesseans in all walks of life."