Statement by Greg Abbott on Proposed San Antonio Ordinance
AUSTIN – Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott joins with the Hispanic Action Network in opposing a proposed non-discrimination ordinance in San Antonio. An action alert from the Hispanic Action Network can be found here.
Abbott today released the following statement:
“I oppose the proposed ordinance because it would not prevent discrimination, but impose it: stifling speech, repressing religious liberty, and imposing burdens on those who hold a traditional view on human relations. The proposed ordinance runs contrary to the Texas Constitution, which prohibits religious tests, and also defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Religious expression is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and this ordinance is also contrary to the clearly expressed will of the Texas Legislature in the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (Civil Practices and Remedies Code Ch. 110), which provides that ‘a government agency may not substantially burden a person’s free exercise of religion.’ The proposed ordinance sows confusion, where clarity is in order.
“Although the proposal has been couched in terms of liberty and equality, it would have the effect of inhibiting the liberty of expression and equality of opportunity for San Antonians.”
