Proposed law would protect the right of state-licensed workers to refuse to provide services based on their religious beliefsCivil rights advocates are condemning a proposed Texas law they say opens the door to discrimination against the LGBT community and religious minorities. Like Senate Bill 17, the bathroom bill was promoted as one of the Texas lieutenant governor Dan Patrick’s legislative priorities, but ultimately failed to reach Governor Greg Abbott’s desk. “It’s a different version of the bathroom bill,” said Angela Hale, a spokeswoman for Equality Texas. “We were successful in defeating the bathroom bill twice last session. “Senate Bill 17 will ensure that no Texans will ever have to choose between their job and their faith,” said Patrick in a statement.

Source: The Guardian April 06, 2019 05:00 UTC