Texas Religious Objection Bill Follows Supreme Court Hearing

[rug]

Apr 30, 2015, 6:21 PM ET -
By PAUL J. WEBER, Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — The national debate over religious objection laws roiled again Thursday in Texas after Republican lawmakers abruptly pushed a new proposal on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court hearing historic arguments over gay marriage.

Even advocates for same-sex couples say the bill, aimed at allowing clergy members to refuse officiating marriages that violate their beliefs, largely duplicates protections that already exist.

However, the legislation drew attention because of its timing — weeks after filing deadlines had passed in the Texas Senate and on the same day the landmark gay marriage case was heard in Washington.

Republican state Sen. Craig Estes said the timing of the bill he introduced Tuesday was coincidental, but that didn't calm Democrats who felt blindsided and newly bracing for battle.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/texas-religious-objection-bill-supreme-court-hearing-30706776

[Gothmog]

1. Texas is adopting a worthless bill that duplicates existing law

I am shocked, shocked I tell you

[rug]

2. The raw cynicusm of this bill and its timimg is something to behold.

The Dems in the legislature are doing yeoman's work.

[CurtEastPoint]

3. Here's Mr. Testes, graduate (not kidding) of Oral Roberts U.

Pompous prick. He looks like a lecherous preacher.

[rug]

4. Reminds me of Nedry.

[okasha]

5. Churches and clergy are already protected

by the First Amendment. The government cannot dictate church policy or the eligibility for sacraments.

Can. Not.

I do wish the Republican ijits in the lege would, just once in their lives, read the Constitution.

[cbayer]

6. Ridiculous. It's already the case that clergy can refuse to marry anyone they want.