Christian Counselors Sue To Overturn Wisconsin Conversion Therapy Speech Rule
Two Wisconsin counselors filed a federal lawsuit on May 13, 2026, to overturn a state rule banning licensed therapists from trying to change a client's sexual orientation or gender identity.[1]
The plaintiffs, Terri Koschnick and Joy Buchman, say the rule amounts to viewpoint-based regulation of speech and cite the Supreme Court's recent 8-1 Chiles v. Salazar decision.[1]
The Wisconsin rule labels using methods aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity as unprofessional conduct for licensed counselors and related professionals.[1]
Gov. Tony Evers said in a May 5, 2026 letter that his administration will not repeal the rule and called the practice ineffective and dangerous.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Wisconsin counselors Terri Koschnick and Joy Buchman filed a federal lawsuit reported May 13, 2026, challenging a state rule on conversion therapy.
- The rule deems it unprofessional conduct for licensed counselors and related professionals to use methods aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
- The lawsuit cites the Supreme Court's 8-1 decision in Chiles v. Salazar, which found Colorado's similar law regulated talk-therapy speech based on viewpoint.
- Gov. Tony Evers said in a May 5, 2026 letter his administration will not repeal Wisconsin's conversion therapy rule and called the practice ineffective and dangerous.
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