Oregon's professional regulator for therapists has abruptly withdrawn the $90,000 fine it leveled against a Catholic counselor for refusing to affirm his client's same-sex relationship after she repeatedly badgered him to approve of her choices, following his lawsuit.

Attorney General Dan Rayfield notified the Oregon Court of Appeals, which directly hears appeals of rulings by state administrative agencies, that the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists withdrew the "final order assessing costs" against Frank Canepa May 12 and then the "notice of proposed disciplinary action" June 5.

The board's attached order says it moved to reconsider the fine in light of the Supreme Court's March ruling in favor of Colorado therapist Kaley Chiles, threatened by the Centennial State for refusing to affirm gender confusion in minor clients, and then took back the disciplinary notice "without prejudice."

Canepa's lawyers at the Alliance Defending Freedom announced the withdrawal Wednesday but not how it would respond, given that the board's withdrawal without prejudice means it could open a new proceeding against Canepa.