AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF News) – The Texas chapter of the National Association is applauding a Texas council decision to rescind an action that would have allowed social workers to turn away clients based on their disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted unanimously Tuesday to restore the protections of those clients who had been stripped from state social workers’ code of conduct October 12th, according to the Associated Press.
Governor Greg Abbott directed the initial vote, which took place during a joint meeting with the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners.
The decision was met with backlash from advocacy groups and the social work community.
The NASW Texas issued a statement that said in part the recent vote was “the right decision.”
BHEC voted to KEEP the original Code of Conduct anti-discrimination protections in place!!
Your continuous advocacy about removing protections for ppl w/ disabilities & LGBTQIA+ Texans was heard far & wide! #StandWithTXSocialWorkers #DontMessWithTXSocialWorkers #txlege @nasw pic.twitter.com/2nqoWzJDvs
— NASW Texas (@NASWTX) October 27, 2020
Copyright 2020. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
