HB 3567 - Clergy Protection Bill

[rogue06]

I'm on a conference call right now with the Attorney General Ken Paxton of Texas, some Texas political leaders, and a number of Pastors - most notably those who were involved in the Houston Religious Freedom battle.

This is NOT for debate, but for prayer. HB 3567 (the "Clergy Protection Bill") is a bill that would protect Pastors and Churches from government pressure or requirement to perform weddings for gays/lesbians or to have our Church Buildings be used for purposes that violate our deeply held religious beliefs, etc.

I will be in Austin all day Wednesday with these other Pastors and politicians - and there should be a public hearing on this bill later in the day. There will be a meeting of Pastors on the South steps of the Capitol at Noon on Wednesday, and a Press Conference at noon-thirty (or so).

Much of this is in response to Mayor Parker's threat to subpoena Pastors' notes, sermons, sermon preparation, discussions of meetings, etc....

Please pray about this.

Thanks

Here in Georgia a minister/pastor/priest can refuse to perform a wedding for virtually any reason. Several years ago a friend of mine was refused by two ministers because he and his fiance had only known each other for three months and they didn't think that they were ready to get married yet.

Btw, that was sixteen years, and two children ago. They remain happily married.

[Bill the Cat]

[Knowing Thomas]

[LostSheep]

[ikaika777]

[Catholicity]

Prayers

[Truthseeker]

[Cerebrum123]

[Cow Poke]

Here is the text of the Bill....

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT
relating to the rights of certain religious organizations and
individuals relating to a marriage that violates a sincerely held
religious belief.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 2, Family Code, is amended by adding
Subchapter G to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER G. FREEDOM OF RELIGION WITH RESPECT TO RECOGNIZING OR
PERFORMING CERTAIN MARRIAGES
Sec. 2.601. RIGHTS OF CERTAIN RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. A
religious organization, an organization supervised or controlled
by or in connection with a religious organization, an individual
employed by a religious organization while acting in the scope of
that employment, or a clergy or minister may not be required to
solemnize any marriage, provide services, accommodations,
facilities, goods, or privileges for a purpose related to the
solemnization, formation, or celebration of any marriage, or treat
any marriage as valid for any purpose if the action would cause the
organization or individual to violate a sincerely held religious
belief.
Sec. 2.602. DISCRIMINATION AGAINST RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION
PROHIBITED. A refusal to provide services, accommodations,
facilities, goods, or privileges under Section 2.601 is not the
basis for a civil or criminal cause of action or any other action by
this state or a political subdivision of this state to penalize or
withhold benefits or privileges, including tax exemptions or
governmental contracts, grants, or licenses, from any protected
organization or individual.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.

[Cow Poke]

I'm on a conference call right now with the Attorney General Ken Paxton of Texas, some Texas political leaders, and a number of Pastors - most notably those who were involved in the Houston Religious Freedom battle.

This is NOT for debate, but for prayer. HB 3567 (the "Clergy Protection Bill") is a bill that would protect Pastors and Churches from government pressure or requirement to perform weddings for gays/lesbians or to have our Church Buildings be used for purposes that violate our deeply held religious beliefs, etc.

I will be in Austin all day Wednesday with these other Pastors and politicians - and there should be a public hearing on this bill later in the day. There will be a meeting of Pastors on the South steps of the Capitol at Noon on Wednesday, and a Press Conference at noon-thirty (or so).

Much of this is in response to Mayor Parker's threat to subpoena Pastors' notes, sermons, sermon preparation, discussions of meetings, etc....

Please pray about this.

Thanks