Texas Bill Relating to Marriage that Violates a Sincerely Held Religious Belief (HB 4512)

HB 4512 would allow any person to refuse to solemnize any marriage or provide services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges for a purpose related to the solemnization, formation, or celebration of any marriage if the action would cause the individual to violate a sincerely held religious belief.

Current state law allows religious organizations, clergy members, and individuals employed by a religious organization while acting in the scope of that employment, to refuse to solemnize any marriage or provide any services or facilities for a wedding if the action would cause the organization or individual to violate a sincerely held religious belief of the organization.

The bill would prohibit discrimination based on religious belief and would prohibit a person from filing a cause of action against another person for refusing to provide services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges for a marriage.

If passed, any person would be able to discriminate against same-sex couples by refusing to perform marriages, or provide venues, accommodations, cakes, attire, etc.

Related Legislation

Similar to HB 3172/SB 1978 and HB 4497.

Latest Action

3/8/19 – Introduced.

People