A controversial bill intended to prevent the government from penalizing a person or business for actions tied to their religious belief has been quietly advanced in the Texas Senate, The Dallas Morning News reported. The proposal, often referred to as as the "Save Chick-fil-A" bill, failed to clear the Texas House last week, but was introduced to the Senate by state Sen. Bryan Hughes (R), according to the newspaper. Hughes said the bill would protect religious beliefs while preventing the targeting of companies such as Chick-fil-A, which was banned from San Antonio's airport in Texas after reports of donations made to anti-LGBT causes by a charity arm of the fast-food chain. "We've heard disturbing stories about folks being punished just because they choose to contribute to a religious organization that shares their views or values," Hughes said, according to the Dallas News. ADVERTISEMENT But critics of the bill say it would support anti-gay discrimination. The Texas Freedom Network, a group that supports religious freedom, slammed how Texas legislators were trying to get the bill passed through the state Senate. "Ramming this bill through doesn't change the fact that the majority of Texans oppose laws that allow the use of religion to hurt people simply because of who they are or whom they love," Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller said in a statement on Monday. The House version of the bill was introduced by Republican state Rep. Matt Krause. But last week, state Rep. Julie Johnson — who is a member of the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus — effectively killed the House bill using a procedural maneuver.<doc-sep>“The majority of Texans oppose laws that allow the use of religion to hurt people simply because of who they are or whom they love." Texas lawmakers are working overtime to enshrine LGBTQ+ discrimination into state law. Last week, Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives were able to sink a bill that would’ve made it easier for individuals and businesses to discriminate against queer people under the guise of protecting freedom of religion. The bill became known as the “Save Chick-fil-A” bill after the city of San Antonio barred the fast food retailer from opening up a store at the local airport because of the business’ “legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior.” Though the House killed the bill, the state Senate revived a companion version of the bill on Monday, The Dallas Morning News reports, forgoing standard practice to allow it to be heard in committee without public notice. Senate Bill 1978, also dubbed the “Save Chick-fil-A” bill, passed the committee and will now head to the full Senate on Tuesday. "It's appalling to hold a ghost hearing and then take a snap vote that leaves virtually no chance for anyone to tell senators how such a sweeping discrimination bill would affect individuals and families across the state," Kathy Miller, president of Texas Freedom Network, said in a statement to The Dallas Morning News. "The lieutenant governor is so desperate to pass a bill that shields discrimination against LGBT Texans that he no longer even pretends to care what anybody else thinks about it. But ramming this bill through doesn't change the fact that the majority of Texans oppose laws that allow the use of religion to hurt people simply because of who they are or whom they love." RELATED | Trump Will Come Out Against Equality Act, Says Administration Official<doc-sep>An openly gay member of the Texas House derailed a bill backed by religious conservatives to block communities from taking “adverse actions” against Chick-Fil-A or other businesses. State Rep. Julie Johnson (D) used a procedural maneuver to shut down the debate over the so-called Save Chick-Fil-A bill late Thursday, The Corpus Christi Caller Times reported. ADVERTISEMENT "Hopefully, this is the day ... discrimination against the LGBT community dies in Texas," said Johnson, a freshman member. The bill was introduced by Republican state Rep. Matt Krause to prohibit cities and other governmental entities from taking "adverse actions" against businesses that publicly espouse religious convictions. Advocates argued that the bill could be used to target LGBT groups. The legislation came after the San Antonio City Council in March voted to ban the popular fast food chain from owning a new location inside the city’s airport. Johnson, a longtime lawyer, quickly interrupted Krause on the House floor when he stood to explain his bill. She presented a point of order and questioned whether all Texas House rules were followed throughout the bill's development, the newspaper reported. When her motion was struck down by Texas Speaker Dennis Bonnen (R), she questioned whether the official analysis of the bill’s implication was misleading. The Caller Times noted that Bonnen huddled with the parliamentarians before ultimately deciding Johnson’s point, workshopped with the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus, was valid. The bill was effectively killed, since Thursday was the last day for preliminary passage of House bills before the 2019 legislation session is set to end on May 27, the newspaper noted. Johnson was reportedly seen pumping her fist as she returned to her seat. She celebrated the win on her Twitter account with a parody of a song from the “Wizard of Oz.” “Ding dong! The bill is dead. Which old bill? The wicked bill. Ding dong! The wicked bill is dead!” Ding dong! The bill is dead. Which old bill? The wicked bill. Ding dong! The wicked bill is dead! https://t.co/Zt3oDZaXx1 — Julie Johnson (@juliejohnsonTX) May 10, 2019 The victory was also hailed by LGBT advocates and her fellow Democrats online. Last night, the LGBT Caucus in the Texas House of Representatives spearheaded the defeat of a bill. Thank you to @JulieJohnsonTX for you leadership! #txlege https://t.co/XYuYJGLT7M — Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 10, 2019 Congrats to @juliejohnsonTX and the @txlgbtqcaucus for defeating #HB3172, a discriminatory bill that would have significantly stigmatized LGBTQ Texans across the state #txlege #RealSolutions pic.twitter.com/nXfZijUfPF — Texas House Democratic Caucus (@TexasHDC) May 9, 2019 Proud of @juliejohnsonTX and the @txlgbtqcaucus for stopping the anti-LGBTQ bill that would have legalized discrimination and cost Texas billions of dollars in business. Once again, Texas does not stand for hate. — Texas Democrats (@texasdemocrats) May 9, 2019 The San Antonio City Council cited the company’s anti-LGBT donations and history regarding the issue to ban the chicken restaurant from the airport. CEO Dan Cathy has said the company supports the “biblical definition of the family unit” and the company's charitable foundation has frequently donated to Christian groups that oppose same-sex marriage. “San Antonio is a city full of compassion, and we don’t have room in our public facilities for a business with a legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior,” Councilman Roberto C. Treviño told the San Antonio Current at the time. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) opened an investigation into the city’s decision. "The Constitution’s protection of religious liberty is somehow even better than Chick-fil-A’s chicken. Unfortunately, I have serious concerns that both are under assault at the San Antonio airport," Paxton wrote in a letter to the city's mayor and city council in March. "I have directed my office to open an investigation into whether the city’s action violates state law," he added.<doc-sep>CEO of ADL: Seeing a 'blitzkrieg of anti-Jewish' acts across US 'Stay out': Fulton County official reacts to potential GOP visit during audit Dana Bash: This is so telling about where the Republican party is NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 24: Trump Tower stands on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on August 24, 2018 in New York City. Following new allegations over hush money that former Trump attorney Michael Cohen paid to an adult-film actress, the Manhattan district attorneyÕs office in New York City may seek criminal charges against the Trump Organization in the coming days. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Why GOP is standing in the way of Capitol riot investigation WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 08: US Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John Warner (R-VA) remarks on the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld at the US Capitol November 8, 2006 in Washington, DC. Warner said he supports President George W. Bush's nomination of former CIA Director Robert Gates for Secretary of Defense. Warner said he anticipates Gates' confirmation before the end of the year. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), joined by Senate Assistant Minority Leader John Thune (R-SD) (L) and Senate Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO), speaks following a Senate Republican Policy luncheon at the Russell Senate Office Building on May 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. Hear what Matt Gaetz said about Paul Ryan before his speech Former GOP senator: If McConnell said this, 'it's shameful' 'Some people have no shame': Biden calls out GOP lawmakers with list (CNN) — The newly formed Texas House LGBTQ Caucus effectively killed a House bill that they argued would be discriminatory against the LGBTQ community, but supporters of the bill said would protect religious liberties. House Bill 3172, also called the “Save Chick-fil-A” bill, would have prohibited government from taking “adverse action” against any individuals or businesses based on membership, support or donations to religious groups. Texas state Rep. Matt Krause, who authored the bill, told CNN on Friday that San Antonio’s decision to exclude the fast food chain from the San Antonio International Airport “crystalized and clarified why we need this bill.” On Thursday, Democratic House Rep. Julie Johnson, one of the caucus’ five members, used a parliamentary action to delay the bill and ultimately kill the legislation. Midnight on Thursday was the deadline for the Republican-controlled House to consider legislation out of the chamber. Johnson had raised a “point of order” on the bill twice – with her second attempt successful, arguing that the bill’s analysis was inaccurate. “Bills like this are hurtful. They cause pain. And we can’t allow religion to be a cover for discrimination,” Johnson told CNN in an interview Friday. Krause told CNN he fundamentally disagrees with Johnson that the bill is “any way discriminatory.” “You can’t read any discriminatory language in this bill,” said Krause, a third-term Republican, who added that he and Johnson get along great. When it was first introduced in March by Krause, the bill would have restricted any governmental entity from “adverse action” against a person or business “based wholly or partly on a person’s belief or action in accordance with the person’s sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction, including beliefs or convictions regarding marriage.” The bill was changed in April and voted out of committee last Wednesday, 9-2. “It protects Ben & Jerry’s as much as it protects Chick-fil-A. …The government should not be penalizing, should not taking adverse action against you for your belief on a marriage,” Krause said in April during a committee public hearing. Johnson told CNN she thought Krause’s original bill had “extreme language” and appreciated his “open dialogue” and that “he tried to improve the bill.” But, she added, “it still discriminated against our community.” “Proud of (Johnson) and the (Texas LGBQT caucus) for stopping the anti-LGBTQ bill that would have legalized discrimination and cost Texas billions of dollars in business. Once again, Texas does not stand for hate,” the Texas Democratic Party said on Twitter Thursday. The Texas House LGBTQ Caucus arguing our point of order on the discriminatory HB 3172. #txlege #yallmeansall pic.twitter.com/8qx3F2qYOw — Erin Zwiener (@ErinForYall) May 9, 2019 “Texas Democrats have stifled religious liberty and the freedom to support any organization or belief they do not agree with,” Texas GOP Chairman James Dickey said in a statement, arguing that HB 3172 “sought to defend Texans from government persecution based on their beliefs - which everyone should be in favor of.” “Instead, Texas Democrats continue to show their true colors by denying Texans their Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms,” Dickey added. The House will now hear Senate bills before the legislative session is over on May 27. “We still have to be vigilant but hopefully given the resounding joy that went though the House chamber when we were successful, on both Democrats and Republicans, hopefully this is over for this session and we can focus on the important things like the education bill,” Johnson said. Republican Sen. Bryan Hughes has introduced a companion bill, which has been referred to the Senate State Affairs committee. While he was disappointed HB 3172 didn’t pass, Krause told CNN that he’s “very much in favor” if the Senate sent over their bill to the House. “We worked really hard on (the bill) … I think it’s an important issue. I think it’s an important conversation to have that we didn’t get to last night,” Krause said. “Maybe we’ll be able to have that discussion before the session ends.” Conservative religious rights’ group Texas Values, who was confident HB 3172 would pass, argued the bill “fell on a technicality despite overwhelming and bipartisan support.” Jonathan Saenz, the president of Texas Values’ legislative action arm, said in a statement, that the group is “prepared to get (the Senate bill) moving immediately.” “This common-sense religious freedom effort is far from over. We will not allow the clear will of the majority of Texans and a bipartisan majority of the Texas Legislature to be thwarted by a few,” Saenz said.<doc-sep>
The Texas House had killed the bill, which would protect individuals and businesses that discriminate, but the Senate has brought it back to life. The Texas Senate has revived “license to discriminate” legislation that was killed in the House of Representatives last week. The measure would prevent the state government or cities and counties from taking punitive action against individuals, businesses, or organizations because of their religious or moral beliefs, or their support for faith-based groups. Also dubbed the “Save Chick-fil-A Bill,” it’s aimed at preventing situations like the one that occurred recently in San Antonio, where the City Council decided not to allow a Chick-fil-A in the city’s airport because of the company’s donations to anti-LGBTQ organizations. Rep. Julie Johnson and the rest of the House’s LGBTQ Caucus kept that chamber’s version of the bill, House Bill 3172, from coming up for debate Thursday, the last day for representatives to take action on legislation that originated in the House. But there was still a chance to consider Senate-originated bills. Sen. Bryan Hughes had introduced his version, Senate Bill 1978, months ago, but no action on it had occurred until Monday, when it was added to a committee’s agenda with no notice, the Austin American-Statesman reports. The Senate State Affairs Committee, having waived the rule that requires a 24-hour notice of a public hearing on a bill, then held a hearing on SB 1978, and no witnesses were present to testify, likely because few people knew what was happening. Shortly afterward, the committee approved the bill on a party-line vote (Republicans for, Democrats against), and moved it to the full Senate, where a vote could happen as early as Wednesday, according to the American-Statesman. SB 1978, as introduced, focuses on actions against individuals, but Hughes said he would amend it to mirror the language of the House bill. LGBTQ advocates condemned the committee’s move. “It’s appalling to hold a ghost hearing and then take a snap vote that leaves virtually no chance for anyone to tell senators how such a sweeping discrimination bill would affect individuals and families across the state,” said a statement issued by Kathy Miller, president of the Texas Freedom Network. Denunciation also came from the Texas Democratic Party, which has dubbed the legislation “Bathroom Bill 2.0,” a reference to conservative lawmakers’ failed 2017 attempt to pass a bill restricting transgender people’s public restroom use. “The fact that Republicans were forced to sneak the Bathroom Bill 2.0 without a hearing tells you everything you need to know about it,” said a statement from party spokeswoman Brittany Switzer. “Texans want an economy that works for all, not more bathroom nonsense. Texas cannot afford discrimination. It’s time for Republicans to let it go. It’s bad for business, bad for Texans, and just downright wrong. Every American deserves equal treatment under the law — no matter who they are or who they love.” There is still a tight deadline for House consideration of the bill, the American-Statesman notes. In order to pass in this session, it would need committee approval by Saturday and full House approval by May 21.