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... the American Association of Christian Counselors’ Code of Ethics recognizes that Christian counselors should affirm the human worth and dignity of all people, including children.

Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. 3 Ms. Cole’s testimony can be viewed at the House Judiciary Committee’s web site here: https://judiciary.house.gov/ committee-activity/hearings/dangers and-due-process-violations-gender-af firming-care?utm_source=chatgpt.com (accessed 15 Dec. 2024). 4 Gogtay, N., Giedd, J.N., Lusk, L., et al. (2004). Dynamic mapping of human cortical development during childhood through early adulthood. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 101 (21), 8174-8179. DOI: 10.1073/ pnas.0402680101. Available at: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/ pnas.0402680101 (accessed 15 Dec. 2024). 5 Hruz, P.W., Mayer, L.S., & McHugh, P.R. (2017). Growing pains: Problems with puberty suppression in treating gender dysphoria. The New Atlantis, 52 , 3-36. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/ stable/44252647 (accessed 15 Dec. 2024). 6 Dhejne, C., Lichtenstein, P., Boman, M., et al. (2011). Long-term follow-up of transsexual persons undergoing sex reassignment surgery: Cohort study in Sweden. PLOS One, 6 (2), e16885. Available at: https://journals.plos.org/ plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal. pone.0016885 (accessed 15 Dec. 2024). 7 AACC Code of Ethics Y-2023. ES 1-010: Affirming human worth and dig nity. Available at: https://aacc.net/ wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AACC_ Code-of-Ethics-2023_FINAL.pdf (accessed 15 Dec. 2024).

Rooted in a biblical understanding of human nature and dignity, Chris tian counselors view gender identity issues as part of a larger conversa tion about God’s design for human beings. From a biblical perspective, gender is considered a gift from God, and any attempt to alter it should be put in context with what the Bible says about gender. • “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Gen esis 1:27, NIV). • “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV). • “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV). • “Do not conform to the pat tern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2, NIV). Christian counselors, therefore, have a responsibility to resist cultural trends that conflict with biblical teachings on gender and sexuality. Likewise, the American Associa tion of Christian Counselors’ Code of Ethics recognizes that Chris tian counselors should affirm the human worth and dignity of all people, including children. It states: “Christian counselors recognize and

uphold the inherent, God-given worth and dignity of every human person, from the preborn to those on death’s bed. Human beings are God’s creation….” 7 United States v. Skrmetti is not merely a legal battle but a cultural and moral crossroads for our nation. The Court’s decision will shape not only state policy but also the ability of Christian counselors to practice their faith in their profession. ✠ The legal information contained in this article is for educational purposes only. Nothing in this article should substitute for legal or medical advice. For specific questions in your practice, you should consult with attorneys and medical experts licensed in your state. Jeanneane formerly served as the Vice Pres ident of External Affairs and Corporate Counsel for Americans United for Life and as the General Counsel of Care Net. She has a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and History from Westminster College, graduating summa cum laude, and a law degree from Boston University School of Law, graduating cum laude. Endnotes 1 Text available at https://www.capitol. tn.gov/Bills/113/Bill/SB0001.pdf (ac cessed 15 Dec. 2024). 2 These states include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South JEANNEANE MAXON, J.D., ESQ., has many years of executive level, non-profit leadership. She is an attorney and natio nally-recognized speaker.

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