Introduced 31 January, 2013
[Original]
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.