California recently passed SB 1172, an extraordinary law that bans professional counseling for those wishing to overcome unwanted same-sex attractions. If it withstands legal challenge, the law goes into effect January 1, 2013. From that point on, anyone in the state who struggles with same-sex attraction will be required to cope without biblically-based counseling and Christian practitioners will be barred from sharing counsel they believe would be best for their patients. This unprecedented governmental interference into private counseling sessions will shield harmful sexual sin from reproach and blatantly violate freedom of religious expression.

The pro-homosexual lobby tenaciously fights to promote their lifestyle, often utilizing the government as a hammer for forcing social acceptance, with SB 1172 being just a recent example. In 2005, a similar attack took place here in Memphis. The State of Tennessee threatened to shut down Love in Action (now known as Restoration Path), a ministry dedicated to helping individuals adversely impacted by sexual sin. At the insistence of pro-homosexual activists, the State ordered Love in Action to obtain a mental health license to continue with their counseling ministry.

This requirement would have imposed various undue and costly burdens on the ministry, coercing Love in Action to either abandon their mission or close their doors. In my former employment, we intervened legally, and by God’s grace, Love in Action/Restoration Path continues even today providing needed help and healing for individuals and families dealing with the fallout of sexual sins.

In the Book of Proverbs, we’re taught: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” SB 1172 assures foolish thinking and behavior by outlawing wise advice. This bill effectively outlaws wisdom.

Other states will surely follow California in their attempt to normalize homosexual behavior. The Center for Religious Expression stands ready to intervene and clear the path for Truth. We firmly believe in the Christian’s right to receive truth and to speak it, and we will continue to stand with organizations like Restoration Path as they fearlessly proclaim the message of Christ’s healing power for sexual sin.

Posted by Nate Kellum