As Texas is under increasing fire from the NFL and a group of more than 100 celebrities, all demanding the defeat of that so called 'bathroom bill,' Texas conservatives plan to double down today with a new bill protecting 'religious liberty,' News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
A group of a dozen Republican State Senators and Representatives, are promising to unveil a bill to protect 'religious freedoms which are under increasing threat' in Texas.
They didn't release the contents of the bill, but it is expected to include protections from civil and criminal liability for photographers, bakers, and other professionals who decline, due to their 'religious beliefs' from participating in same sex marriages.
Meanwhile, group of A-list, liberal leaning Hollywood celebrities are messing with Texas.More than 140 musicians and creative artists have signed on to an open letter to Texas state leaders asking them to oppose the so-called bathroom bill, which would limit transgender bathroom use.
“Please know that the creative community is watching Texas, with love for all its people and for its contributions to music, art, and culture,” the letter reads. “We love Texas and its people so much. Among us, we have spent time in countless towns and cities across the state. For many of us, performing in Texas for the first time has been a life-altering experience. We are amazed by the state’s culture and community.”
The effort was started by musician Jack Antonoff, who is part of the Ally Coalition. They previously opposed North Carolina’s bathroom bill, which is similar to the proposal in Texas. It forces transgender people to use the restroom that corresponds to their sex at birth. They have teamed up with Equality Texas, which has long opposed SB 6.
CEO Chuck Smith tells Newsradio 1200 WOAI, he hopes the bill’s chief backer, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, reads the letter.
“He keeps trying to say that somehow Texas is immune from any consequences to this type of legislation.”
While the group stopped short of saying they would refuse to play or perform in Texas if the bill is passed, the letter is more than a thinly veiled threat.
It comes at the same time as Gov. Greg Abbott makes his strongest statement yet in favor of the bill. Appearing on the Glenn Beck show, he criticized the NFL for apparently threatening to pull future Super Bowls.
“They need to learn their place in the United States and govern football, not politics.”
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