‘Save Chick-Fil-A bill’ clears the Texas House along party lines

The measure, once thought to be dead in the Texas Legislature, must clear a few more procedural hurdles before the session ends May 27.

AUSTIN, TEXAS — After emotional speeches by members of the Texas House’s still-new LBGTQ Caucus, measure dubbed the “Save Chick-Fil-A” bill cleared the chamber Monday along party lines.

The measure, still needing a largely routine final House vote before returning to the Senate, appeared dead in the water just 10 days ago when it was sank by on a parliamentary maneuver. And members of the caucus that had they it was killed lamented its revival as a victory for the forces of discrimination.

“Religious freedom does not give us the right to impose our beliefs on others,” said Dallas Democrat Julie Johnson, a founding member of the LBGTQ Caucus formed early this year. “This bill is designed to promote discrimination against me and my family.”

The Chick-fil-A location at Coastland Center mall, where the eatery has been a popular food court staple for more than 30 years in Naples, soon will undergo a major renovation. (Photo: Chip Hudson/Chick-fil-A)

But the House sponsor of Senate Bill 1978 disagreed. The language in the resurrected legislation was softened take out any reference to same-sex marriage and other wedge issues, said state Rep. Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth.

Instead, it prevents state and local governments from acting against businesses and people because of their associations with religious organizations as defined by the federal tax code.

Gov. Greg Abbott signaled strongly that he intends to put his signature on the measure.

‘Save Chick-Fil-A’ bill derailed: Texas lawmaker derails ‘Save Chick-Fil-A’ bill, says it targeted LGBT Texans

So. What are the odds I’ll sign the Chick-fil-A bill?

I’ll let you know after dinner.

⁦@ChickfilA⁩ #txlegepic.twitter.com/xKS3vDV4gS

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 21, 2019

“So. What are the odds I’ll sign the Chick-fil-A bill? he said with a tweet that featured a photo of soft-drink cup from the fast-food chain and a news story about the controversy on his laptop. “I’ll let you know after dinner. “

The connection to Chick-Fil-A came after San Antonio denied vending space in its airport to the fast-food chain over its opposition to gay marriage and its association with and contribution to like-minded organizations.

Chick-fil-a ban: San Antonio council rejects proposal to reconsider Chick-fil-A at Texas airport

Religious discrimination?: Law firm calls for US investigation after Chick-fil-A gets banned from San Antonio airport

“What were those charitable contributions? That was to the Salvation Army and to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes,” Krause said as he opened the floor debate.

He went on to praise both organizations and cited other groups, including the Dallas Cowboys and large retail outlets, that also support them.

State Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Carrollton, outside the Texas House chamber after derailing a bill she said was harmful to the LGBTQ community. (Photo: John C. Moritz/USA Today Network)

Nicole Hudgens, a senior policy analyst for the conservative group,Texas Values Action, rejected any assertions that the measure promotes discrimination. 

“With local Texas governments attacking businesses because of donations to religious groups, the time for this bill is now,” she said.

But state Rep. Jessica Gonzales, D-Dallas, said the underlying message of the bill is more far-reaching. 

Buffalo airport bans Chick-Fil-A: Chicken chain won’t be landing at Buffalo airport

“There are people who don’t want us here,” said Gonzalez, who is openly gay. “There are people who want to the power to remind me I don’t belong.

“This bill is about power, and this bill is about fear.”

Her voice sometimes cracking, Austin Democrat Celia Israel spoke of the message bills seen as anti-LGBTQ have on young Texans struggling with their sexual identity. 

“You may not think you are hurting children with this bill, but you are,” said Israel, also openly gay, citing higher rates of suicide among LGBTQ teens and young adults who otherwise seek acceptance in society.

State Rep. Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth (Photo: Texas House)

“They grew up loving Jesus and knowing Jesus loved them back,” she added.

The bill was modified slightly from the version approved by the Senate. That means it now returns to the upper chamber for considered of the changes. Once both houses agree on all aspects of the measure, it would go to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature.

The session ends May 27.

Follow John C. Moritz on Twitter @JohnnieMo.

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