Federal Judge Reopens Free Speech Lawsuit Against Washington's Counseling Law
A federal judge has reopened Tacoma therapist Brian Tingley's lawsuit challenging Washington's counseling censorship law, which bans conversion therapy. The decision follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Chiles v. Salazar, which found a similar Colorado law unconstitutional for regulating speech based on viewpoint. Tingley, represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, argues that the law infringes on free speech by enforcing a government viewpoint on gender ideology. The state, supported by Equal Rights Washington, contends the law addresses a compelling interest and is the least restrictive means available. The case, initially dismissed in 2021, now returns to court with a preliminary injunction motion pending. 
