A religious group could refuse to perform a wedding without losing tax breaks or grants
What it does
HB 242 would say that an individual, a religious organization, an organization supervised or controlled by a religious organization, an employee acting within the scope of that job, or clergy may not be required to solemnize a marriage or provide services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges for one if doing so would violate a sincerely held religious belief. It would bar any civil lawsuit and any criminal or other action by Texas or a local government over that kind of refusal. A refusal also could not be the reason the state or a local government withholds benefits or privileges, including tax exemptions, governmental contracts, grants, or licenses, from a protected organization or individual. The bill would take effect right away if it gets a two-thirds vote in each house, and otherwise on September 1, 2027, and it would cover only causes of action that start or actions taken after it takes effect.
What it means for your community
A religious organization that declines to officiate a wedding could not be sued in civil court over that refusal. State and local agencies could not take away tax exemptions, governmental contracts, grants, or licenses because of the refusal. A couple planning a wedding could find that no officiant will perform the ceremony, and this bill would leave them without a court remedy against the group that declined. The new protection would cover only cases that begin after the bill takes effect, not cases already underway.
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