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Hi John,
Yesterday, TFN and other religious freedom advocates spent nearly 24 hours straight at the Texas Capitol, waiting to testify against the 10 Commandments Bill.
Why? Because the bill hearing began more than 15 hours after its initial scheduled time. Texans were left with no choice but to arrive at the building hours in advance just to register to testify. Legislators often keep the public in the dark about what time controversial bills will be heard, and committee leaders routinely cut off registration long before the bill is actually taken up. It's an intentional barrier and a failure of transparency.
But we waited, John, because we won't let the separation of church and state fall without a fight. Our Political Director Rocío Fierro-Pérez, along with Political Coordinator Levi Fiedler and Legislative Communications Associate Elva Mendoza, finally got the chance to testify at 6 a.m. this morning.
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" [Rocío's testimony is interrupted by her morning phone alarm.] Sorry about that—this is when I usually wake up. We oppose this bill because it undermines families' freedom to direct the religious upbringing of their own children."
Watch Full Testimony [[link removed]]
During the day, TFN also hosted a press conference featuring representatives of the Sikh Coalition, Temple Beth Shalom, Jubilee Episcopal Church, and CAIR-Texas all emphasizing how the Ten Commandments Bill threatens religious freedom in public education. You can watch the press conference here. [[link removed]]
"The government cheapens religious faith when it imposes mandates designed to play favorites, as this bill does. Matters of faith are best left to families and congregations, not government and public schools." - Felicia Martin, TFN Executive Director
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SB 10 was left pending in committee. Thank you for your testimony, dropped cards, public comments, emails, calls, and the many other ways you've helped shine a light on this blatant abuse of power. Now that vouchers have passed, all eyes are on our legislature to see whether they’ll continue their attacks on our public education system.
Because of you, the House—and the nation—know where progressive Texans align: with our students.
Thank you for showing up yesterday (and this morning 😴). We'll keep you updated.
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Seneca Savoie (he/him)
TFN Organizing Director
P.S. If you're able, please consider chipping in [[link removed]] to ensure we can maintain our strong response at the Legislature and beyond. Any amount helps!
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TFN is a statewide non-partisan, grassroots organization that is building an informed and effective movement working toward equality and social justice.
Texas Freedom Network
P.O. Box 1624
Austin, TX 78767
United States
Phone: (512) 322-0545
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