LANSING (OSV News) -- Catholic therapists in Michigan on July 12 filed a lawsuit in a federal court challenging a state law banning "conversion therapy," arguing it restricts their ability to provide counseling to children experiencing gender dysphoria, the feeling of distress that one's biological sex and gender identity are not aligned.
Becket, a Washington-based religious liberty law firm, said it is representing Emily McJones, a Catholic therapist in Lansing, who said she counsels children and adults on a wide variety of life issues, and many of her clients share her Catholic faith.
The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan argues that the law limits the ability of counselors like McJones to explore with clients experiencing gender dysphoria "the underlying factors that may be contributing to their distress, and to help them accept and embrace their biological sex."
A Catholic Charities' counseling ministry is also a plaintiff, along with McJones, in the lawsuit Catholic Charities v. Whitmer. The suit argues HB 4616 -- signed into law in 2023 by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer -- limits counselors' ability to explore possible underlying causes or concurring mental health challenges in cases of children experiencing a conflict between their biological sex and their gender identity. It claims HB 4616 instead requires counselors to affirm children in the belief they "were born in the wrong body" and assist them by means of puberty-blocking drugs, hormones or surgeries, to which some providers may object.
McJones, who is a licensed therapist and owner of Little Flower Counseling, said in a statement, "I opened Little Flower to offer those who come through my doors compassionate therapy that helps them live whole, integrated lives."
"But now Michigan officials are threatening to strip my license because I provide therapy rooted in my faith and the best available scientific evidence," she added.
Supporters of the law argue that it protects vulnerable individuals from those who may falsely claim their treatments can change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Whitmer's office did not immediately respond to OSV News' request for comment about the lawsuit or HB 4616.
In a July 2023 statement issued when she signed HB 4616, Whitmer said, "Today, we are banning the horrific practice of conversion therapy in Michigan and ensuring this is a state where you can be who you are."
"As a mom of a member of the community and a proud, lifelong ally, I am grateful that we are taking action to make Michigan a more welcoming, inclusive place," she said. "Let's continue working together to ensure anyone can 'make it' in Michigan, expand fundamental freedoms, and fight back against any and all forms of discrimination."
Luke Goodrich, vice president and senior counsel at Becket, said in a statement, "Michigan's attempt to gag compassionate, professional counselors is contrary to the Constitution, sound evidence, and common sense."
"The Constitution doesn't let the government dictate what people can and can't say -- especially when the government is cutting off vulnerable children and families from counseling they desperately want to receive," Goodrich added.
In guidance on health care policy and practices released in March 2023, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Doctrine opposed interventions that "involve the use of surgical or chemical techniques that aim to exchange the sex characteristics of a patient's body for those of the opposite sex or for simulations thereof."
"Any technological intervention that does not accord with the fundamental order of the human person as a unity of body and soul, including the sexual difference inscribed in the body, ultimately does not help but, rather, harms the human person," the document states.
Becket anticipates the court will hear the case later this year.
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