Tennessee

Senate Bill 514 (2013)

Conscientious objection by students

Introduction

This bill was introduced in January, 2005 but did not proceed after March, 2005.  [Administrator]

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 49, relative to conscientious objection by students to certain elements of counseling programs in public institutions of higher education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1.

Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 7, Part 1, is amended by adding the following as a new section:

49-7-156.  A public institution of higher education operating under chapter 8 or 9 of this title shall not discipline or discriminate against a student in a counseling, social work, or psychology program because the student refuses to counsel or serve a client as to goals, outcomes, or behaviors that conflict with a sincerely held religious belief of the student, if the student refers the client to a counselor who will provide the counseling or services.

SECTION 2.

This act shall take effect July 1, 2013, the public welfare requiring it.