Ethics complaints filed against a counselor who posted his Christian beliefs on gender and sexuality on Facebook have been dismissed by the Kentucky Board of Social Work (KBSW).
Although the complaints were dismissed, the unnamed counselor, who was fired from his role at a private counseling practice, has not had his position restored and is “pursuing appropriate remedies,” according to law firm Liberty Counsel.
In June 2025, the counselor, a licensed clinical social worker, posted his views on his personal Facebook account, after his employer celebrated pride month in a post.
“I love my career and the people I serve with a passion, but I’m not going to sell my soul for it,” the counselor wrote, without tagging his employer. “While places I work might be a ‘safe and affirming space for lqbtqia+ community,’ I personally (and professionally) never want to affirm rebellion against our Creator. What good does it do if we gain the whole world—my favorite job, perfect mental health even—if we lose our own soul? I’ve recently watched previously sold Christians sell out on this issue. Count me out. I’m His, and sticking to His Word.”
Three complaints were filed with the KBSW against his license. One complaint accused the counselor of “discriminatory rhetoric targeting LGBTQ people.” The employer responded by not only firing the counselor, who had worked at the practice since December 2019, but also by commenting on his post. The employer branded his statement as “hate and anger and judgment” and asserted “that as an agency, unconditional positive regard is mandatory.”
In July, law firm Liberty Counsel sent a letter to KBSW, requesting that the complaints be dismissed.
The letter argues that none of the counselor’s actions or statements violated the Kentucky Code of Ethical Conduct for Social Workers.
“There is no listed ‘catchall’ offense under Kentucky law called ‘Conduct Unbecoming of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker,’” the letter states. “In fact, the counselor’s post was made in his private capacity, not in service to a client, and was made regarding matters of public concern having religious and political implications, over which there is significant debate in the public at large. Thus, nothing under the law or any governing code of ethical conduct serves as the basis for any complaint, let alone professional discipline.”
Liberty Counsel announced in an Aug. 27 press release that KBSW found that the counselor had not violated the code or any social work standard.
“First Amendment speech and religious protections do not disappear when someone becomes a licensed counselor,” Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, said. “These frivolous complaints are a clear attempt to unconstitutionally silence and censor opposing views. There was no jurisdiction or cause here to regulate this counselor’s speech or discipline him based on private expressions of religious and political beliefs. The counselor’s employer should reinstate him immediately and correct this potentially costly mistake.”
