Your voice is needed; stand up for
parental rights!

Unelected state regulators are going forward with their sweeping proposal to ban, for minors, “any practice or treatment that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to… reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of any gender.” 
 
As we noted in comments we submitted, this proposal would infringe the fundamental right of parents to care for their children and violate their freedom of speech and free exercise of religion.
 
Thankfully, legislative attempts to impose this ban in Virginia failed in 2016 and 2018. Because the General Assembly has not adopted their view, ban proponents are seeking to impose a prohibition through regulation.  In fact, state regulators are attempting to bypass the General Assembly altogether, which has the effect of diluting your voice in Richmond. These governor-appointed officials need to hear from you today because:

Parents are closest to their child’s challenges; they are in the best position to make healthcare decisions involving the wellbeing of their child.

Under Virginia law, parents have the fundamental right to make decisions regarding the upbringing, education and care of their children. 

Some young people may have attractions they desire to change or moderate. Others may simply desire guidance from a counselor to live a chaste life. In either instance, there should be options for families to make informed decisions. 

The proposed ban would deny families the freedom to seek counseling aligned with their faith.

Licensed professionals with years of education and experience should not be removed from the process of helping children work through these sensitive and deeply personal issues. 

Take action to protect the freedom of Virginia families to acquire the counseling they choose. Join the Virginia Catholic Conference in opposing this misguided and unconstitutional proposal.  Please weigh in with the three boards listed below using each of the following links:
 
Board of Psychology
[link removed]
 
Board of Counseling
[link removed]
 
Board of Social Work
[link removed]
 
Because this a unique situation with three boards requesting comments simultaneously, we encourage you to submit comments to each of them, using one or more of the talking points provided above. Comments must be posted online no later than 11:59 pm on August 7.  Thank you for defending parental rights in Virginia!

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In prayer and in public, your voices are urgently needed to bring Gospel values to bear on vital decisions being made by those who represent you.
 
The Virginia Catholic Conference is the public policy agency representing Virginia’s Catholic bishops and their two dioceses.

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