A Texas Senate committee on Monday advanced a bill designed to stop cities and other government bodies from taking “adverse actions” against businesses that publicly embrace religious views, a measure introduced after the city of San Antonio refused to allow Chick-fil-A to rent space in its airport because of its company’s vocal opposition to same-sex marriage, The Dallas Morning News reports.
The bill was derailed in the Texas House last week by an openly gay freshman member of the chamber.
San Antonio’s city council in April banned Chick-fil-A from operating in its airport. Two weeks later, a New York Democratic assemblyman announced that the Buffalo airport food vendor was prohibiting Chick-fil-A from operating in its food court as well.
“I don't believe the leadership of the NFTA intends to help spread hate and discrimination but allowing a corporation like Chick-fil-A to do business at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport will help to fund continued divisive anti-LGBTQ rhetoric,” Democratic New York State Assemblyman Sean Ryan wrote about the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.
Senate Bill 1978, filed by Republican Sen. Bryan Hughes, is on the Senate’s intent calendar for Tuesday.
"The bill as filed ensures religious beliefs are protected from discrimination. It's about the First Amendment and freedom of speech, freedom of religion — those uniquely American rights," Hughes said per the News.
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