AUSTIN, Texas -- Despite emotional pleas from members of the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus, the so-called "Save Chick-fil-A" bill advanced Monday.

  • "Save Chick-fil-A" bill advanced in House Monday
  • Spurred by action of San Antonio City Council
  • Needs final House approval and signature by Gov. Greg Abbott

The legislation has been cast by conservatives as religious freedom protection. But opponents say it promotes hate and opens the door to discrimination.

Texas Republicans have said the legislation is needed to avoid situations like what happened in San Antonio earlier this year. The city council kept the fast-food chain from opening a restaurant in the city’s airport citing the company’s "legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior."

“I don’t think there’s anybody in this chamber who says, ‘You know what? If you give some money to the Salvation Army, you’re a bigot.’ Or, ‘You’re discriminatory.’ That’s just not the way it works. This bill fits that exact fact-pattern,” said Rep. Matt Krause, R-Forth Worth.

The measure would prohibit the government from penalizing someone for their membership in or support of religious groups. It’s been watered down since it was originally filed and Monday, and the House sponsor weakened the measure further.

Rep. Krause removed a provision that would have empowered the Texas attorney general to bring lawsuits against governments accused of religious discrimination.

“Look at the language in the bill,” said Krause. “It’s not a discriminatory bill. The language does not contain discrimination in it.”

But openly gay Rep. Celia Israel, D-Austin, said even with the revisions, it’s a matter of messaging.

“This bill is going to pass, let’s face it,” she said. “It’s been cloaked in religious freedom. But the genesis and the nexus of this bill is in hatred.”

Despite tearful pleas from the House LGBTQ Caucus to vote against the measure, it passed largely along party lines. Once the House gives it final approval Tuesday, the Senate must agree to the changes before it heads to the governor’s desk.

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