Tag Archives: religious freedom
‘Recipe for Discrimination’: Legal Battle Brews Over New ‘Religious Refusal’ Child Welfare Law
The controversial measure passed into law last month violates the separation of church and state, legal experts say.
A new Texas law meant to shield child welfare providers who deny services based on religious beliefs could strap the state with more legal problems than the pro...Read More
Critics Fear New Texas Law Giving SBOE Wide Discretion Over Textbooks
Texas lawmakers just gave the State Board of Education more power over textbook content. What could possibly go wrong?
In past legislative sessions, a bill this momentous would have been major news. But in the “worst Legislature ever,” it received almost no press coverage at...Read More
This Week: In ‘Mother’s Day Massacre,’ Tea Party Caucus Derails 100+ Bills
Keep up with the Observer’s sharp reporting on the Legislature and throughout Texas with this weekly newsletter. Members of the Texas House Freedom Caucus...Read More
House Votes to Expand Religious Freedom at the Expense of Foster Children, Critics Say
“Denying [kids] access to things they need or forcing your culture on them at the expense of theirs is not in the best interest of the children,” one foster parent said.
Patricia Murphy, a single foster mother in Austin who is certified to care for the children with the highest needs in the state, says her guiding principle is t...Read More
Faith-Based Child Welfare Providers Threaten to Stop Services if ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill Doesn’t Pass
‘We're so busy fighting over social issues that we don't actually address abuse happening to children,’ one opponent of the bill said.
‘We're so busy fighting over social issues that we don't actually address abuse happening to children,’ one opponent of the bill said....Read More
Law Will Allow Texas to Refuse Same-Sex Couples, Non-Christians as Foster Parents
The proposal would also protect contractors who send children to parochial schools and deny abortion access to young women in their care.
The proposal would also protect contractors who send children to parochial schools and deny abortion access to young women in their care....Read More
‘Sermon Safeguard’ Bill is All About Preaching to the Choir
Supporters claim the legislation shielding pastors from subpoenas will protect religious liberty, but it’s more symbolism than solution.
Supporters claim the legislation shielding pastors from subpoenas will protect religious liberty, but it’s more symbolism than solution....Read More
Anti-LGBT Lawmakers Unveil Slew of ‘Religious Freedom’ Bills Despite Business Concerns
A conservative member warned of a 'public fight' if House leadership tries to kill discriminatory legislation.
A conservative member warned of a 'public fight' if House leadership tries to kill discriminatory legislation....Read More
Advocates Say Sweeping Anti-LGBT Religious Freedom Bill Has ‘No Limitations’
Out lesbian lawmaker says SB 651 is another sign 2017 session could be 'most divisive ever.'
Out lesbian lawmaker says SB 651 is another sign 2017 session could be 'most divisive ever.'...Read More