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

This law was last updated on Sep 19, 2019

State

Texas

Number

HB 4512

Status

Failed to Pass

Proposed

Mar 8, 2019

Topics

Conscience and Refusal Clauses, LGBTQ, Religious Freedom

Full Bill Text

capitol.texas.gov

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.