Overview
- The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed a federal suit Wednesday on behalf of two Christian counselors seeking to block the state’s restriction on counseling that aims to change sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Wisconsin’s policy, enforced as a licensing rule since last summer, classifies such change‑oriented methods as unprofessional conduct for licensed therapists and counselors.
- The plaintiffs cite the Supreme Court’s 8–1 Chiles v. Salazar decision and argue the rule targets speech based on viewpoint, and they ask the court to declare it unconstitutional and bar enforcement.
- Gov. Tony Evers, named as a defendant along with the state licensing chief and board members, wrote May 5 that the groups misread the ruling and that he would not repeal or halt the rule.
- The lawsuit arrives as courts nationwide reassess similar talk‑therapy restrictions after Chiles, with advocates noting that many states maintain limits that could face heightened First Amendment review.