On Thursday, March 25th at 8 AM, the Texas House State Affairs Committee will meet and take public testimony on the Freedom to Worship Act, HB 1239 by Representative Scott Sanford.
The Senate companion bill (SB 26) has already passed the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee. The Freedom to Worship Act makes it clear that no government official can close churches or any place of worship during a pandemic, especially not when other businesses and establishments are allowed the right to open. Last year, churches across the country were told to close while grocery stores, liquor stores, strip clubs, and even casinos were allowed to remain open.
The committee will also be hearing other Texas Values Action supported bills, including HJR 72 by Representative Jeff Leach - a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit government from closing or limiting a religious service; HB 525 by Representative Matt Shaheen and HB 1487 by Representative Jay Dean that seeks to protect religious organizations; HB 1691 by Representative Tony Tinderholt that protects religious freedom and religious institutions during a declared state of disaster; and HCR 1 by Representative Phil Stephenson that supports prayers, including the use of the word “God”, at public gatherings and displays of the Ten Commandments in public educational institutions and other government buildings.
We need our supporters to be prepared to testify at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, especially Pastors and Church leaders! Our team will provide you all the support that you need, including talking points and step-by-step instructions. Please immediately contact us at [email protected] if you are interested or able to attend the hearing to testify.
What: Texas House State Affairs Committee Public Hearing (view hearing notice)
When: Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 8:00 AM (will likely last several hours)
Where: Capitol Extension Auditorium, E1.004 (our team will be at the hearing and ready to help) If you can’t make it to the Texas Capitol on Thursday, please continue to take action to contact your Texas Legislators to support and coauthor the Freedom to Worship Act - HB 1239 by Rep. Scott Sanford/SB 26 by Sen. Angela Paxton, HJR 72 by Rep. Leach, and all other religious freedom bills. |
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