For two Christian counselors in Nebraska, helping a young client find peace with his or her biological sex could carry a price: jail, fines and a threatened livelihood, their attorneys say.
Now they are asking a federal court to intervene.
Thomas More Society filed suit on Oct. 6 against Lincoln on behalf of Catholic counselor Thomas Dierks and another Christian counselor identified as John Doe. The lawsuit challenges a city ordinance that the plaintiffs say restricts conversations with minors seeking help consistent with their faith and personal goals.
Senior counsel Matt Heffron told Fox News Digital that the ordinance permits counselors to support gender transition while barring them from helping minors accept their biological sex or address unwanted same-sex attraction.
“The government allows certain type of speech in therapy sessions, and it disallows other sorts of speech or viewpoints,” Heffron said.
He called that distinction government “viewpoint discrimination.”
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According to Heffron, counselors accused of violating the ordinance could face investigations, misdemeanor charges, a $500 fine, a $100 civil penalty and potential loss of professional licenses or credentials.
For the plaintiffs, the dispute reaches beyond professional consequences to children asking trusted counselors for help.
“It’s awful. It’s cruel to tell those children they can’t be helped,” Heffron told Fox News Digital.
Heffron cited the Supreme Court’s decision in Chiles v. Salazar involving a similar Colorado restriction and a subsequent federal appeals court ruling concerning Kansas City.
Thomas More Society says it repeatedly sought repeal or assurances that Lincoln would not enforce the ordinance. Heffron said the city declined and eventually stopped responding.
The lawsuit asks the court to declare the ordinance unconstitutional and enjoin its enforcement, arguing that it violates the rights to free speech and religious exercise.
Lincoln declined to address the counselors’ allegations directly, telling Fox News Digital that the city does not comment on pending litigation.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
