Social workers can now deny services to people with disabilities and LGBTQ + clients in Texas. The State Social Work Council voted unanimously to remove the nondiscrimination clause from the code of conduct.
This means that social workers have the right to refuse clients because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
Will Francis, director of NASW Texas, describes the move as «disturbing, even if it was unintentional.»
“They set a precedent to give the impression that this is now allowed. The governor puts minorities and people with disabilities at risk of discrimination for no reason, ”he told AP.
Meanwhile, Rep. And former social worker Silvia Garcia has called on authorities to reverse the decision.
“As a former social worker, I am appalled by the new rule approved last week by the Texas Social Work Review Board. In the midst of an unprecedentedly dangerous pandemic, no one should be denied services, ”she wrote on Twitter.
“This rule change was hasty, without the involvement of professional social workers. I hope the Governor and the Board are aware of the dire consequences this will have on the safety and well-being of some Texans in the state and will immediately reverse the decision. ”
