Gov. Abbott Signs Freedom to Worship Act, Protecting Places of Worship 

On Wednesday, Gov. Abbott signed a religious freedom bill and a pro-life bill into law.  The Freedom to Worship Act (HB 1239) by Texas Rep. Scott Sanford and Sen. Angela Paxton makes it clear in law that a government agency or public official is prohibited from issuing an order that closes or has the effect of closing places of worship.  HB 1239 passed with bipartisan support during the session and goes into effect immediately, having received the necessary two-thirds vote in both chambers required by the Texas Constitution.

Gov. Abbott also signed HB 1280, a pro-life trigger law that would end abortion in Texas thirty days after Roe v. Wade is overturned or if there was another ruling that would recognize the rights of states to prohibit abortion. Texas Values supported HB 1280 during the recent legislative session.

Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds Religious Freedom of Faith-Based Child Placement Agencies

On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court held in a unanimous decision in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia that the city discriminated against a religious foster-care organization by disqualifying it from serving families and children because of its religious beliefs.

Jonathan Saenz, Attorney and President for Texas Values released the following statement:

“The Supreme Court’s decision in Fulton sends a clear message that the Free Exercise Clause cannot be ignored. Every child in need of a forever home deserves the chance to be adopted, and religious organizations should not be punished because they stay committed to their sincerely held religious beliefs. This is an incredible victory for religious freedom and a big step in keeping kids first.”
 

TX Attorney General Declared Controversial Gender Identity Policy Invalid

On Monday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office released an official legal analysis concluding that the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) exceeded their authority by providing special protections to social workers based on “sexual orientation and gender identity” (SOGI). In short, what the Council did was wrong and arguably illegal.

SOGI policies are often used as weapons to punish people of faith who follow a biblical definition of biological sex. Back in January of this year, Texas Values submitted a detailed legal brief, explaining BHEC’s lack of authority in state and federal law to pursue implementation of SOGI policies without going through the Texas legislative process.

A Wonderful Texas Values Fort Worth Dinner!

On June 16th, Texas Values held the Ft. Worth Faith and Family Dinner with Texas Rep. Matt Krouse and Texas Heartbeat Act author Texas Rep. Shelby Slawson.  We also heard from Claire Culwell, an abortion survivor with a remarkable personal story.