LGBTQ Caucus Kills ‘Save Chick-Fil-A’ Bill In Texas

The newly formed LGBTQ Caucus killed a religious freedom bill in the Texas House of Representatives on Thursday, which was crafted in response to the San Antonio city council banning Chick-fil-A from its International Airport over “anti-LGBTQ behavior.”

The “Save Chick-fil-A” bill (or House Bill 3172), was sponsored by Republican Texas State Rep. Michael Krause, and authored to protect “religious beliefs and moral convictions, including beliefs and convictions regarding marriage.” The legislation would have “prohibited adverse actions by government” based on support or membership of religious organizations.

Democratic state Rep. Julie Johnson, one of the five members on the LGBTQ caucus, used a parliamentary action to delay, then ultimately kill the bill.

“Bills like this are hurtful. They cause pain,” Johnson told CNN. “We can’t allow religion to be a cover for discrimination.”

Krause defended the legislation in April, stating that “it protects Ben & Jerry’s as much as it protects Chick-fil-A.”

“The government should not be penalizing, should not taking adverse action against you for your belief on a marriage,” he further noted during a committee public hearing.

Republican Texas Rep. Chip Roy, who represents the portion of San Antonio where the airport is located, slammed the city council’s decision and further defended Chick-fil-A.