Two Christian counselors in Lincoln, Nebraska, are asking a federal court to step in after the city passed an ordinance they say punishes them for helping young clients pursue counseling consistent with their faith.

The Thomas More Society filed suit on October 6 against the city of Lincoln on behalf of Catholic counselor Thomas Dierks and another Christian counselor identified in court papers as John Doe. The lawsuit challenges a city ordinance that the plaintiffs say restricts conversations with minors seeking help aligned with their faith and personal goals, according to Charisma News.

Senior counsel Matt Heffron told Fox News Digital that the ordinance permits counselors to support a minor's 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, calling the distinction government "viewpoint discrimination."

According to Heffron, counselors accused of violating the ordinance could face investigations, misdemeanor charges, a $500 fine, a $100 civil penalty, and the potential loss of professional licenses or credentials.

For the plaintiffs, the case reaches beyond their own livelihoods to the children who come to them for help. "It's awful. It's cruel to tell those children they can't be helped," Heffron said.

Heffron cited the Supreme Court's decision in Chiles v. Salazar, which involved a similar Colorado restriction, along with a subsequent federal appeals court ruling concerning Kansas City, as support for the legal challenge.

The Thomas More Society says it repeatedly sought a repeal of the ordinance or assurances from Lincoln that it would not be enforced. Heffron said the city declined and eventually stopped responding.

The lawsuit asks the court to declare the ordinance unconstitutional and block its enforcement, arguing that it violates the rights to free speech and religious exercise. The city of Lincoln declined to address the counselors' allegations directly, telling Fox News Digital it does not comment on pending litigation.