Hughes’s Bill Revives Religious Liberty Legislation

AUSTIN — Religious liberty legislation killed in the Texas House quickly resurfaces in the Senate, thanks to an East Texas lawmaker. Last week the newly formed State House LGBTQ Caucus killed House Bill 3172 on a point of order. On Monday, Mineola State Senator Bryan Hughes’s companion Senate Bill 1978 quickly passed out of committee. Hughes says, “It ensures that governmental entities can’t take adverse actions against anyone based wholly or partially on their membership or support provided to religious organizations.” LGBTQ advocacy groups oppose the bill. Reverend Erica Wilson of San Antonio’s Awakenings Spiritual COmmunity says, “Religious freedom isn’t and never will be a license to discriminate.”