Two Republican members of the Texas Legislature are spearheading efforts to pass a “comprehensive LGBTQ nondiscrimination bill.”
Last week, Republican State Reps. Sarah Davis (Houston) and Todd Hunter (Corpus Christi) announced they plan to join a group of Democrat lawmakers in cosponsoring legislation preventing “discrimination” in employment, housing, and accommodations—a move that would violate the Texas GOP platform and create a protected class of individuals based on their sexual behavior.
“We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin, and we oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values,” reads plank #256 of the current Texas GOP platform.
Regardless of the fact that the majority of the Texas GOP voted to approve that language in the platform, Davis claims a majority of Republicans support the passage of legislation that would violate religious liberties.
“70% of Texans, including majorities in both parties, want to see a statewide nondiscrimination law that includes #LGBTQ people. Let’s get it done,” said Davis on Facebook.
Davis also refers to an economic study conducted by the Perryman Group, which touts the “economic benefits” of passing such legislation. Though they have the auspices of a legitimate economic research and analysis firm, a view of its publications reveals that the group is little more than a number massager for liberal policy priorities.
Following the announcement that Davis and Hunter were joining Democrats to push the measure, disgraced former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus called the announcement “encouraging.”
It is encouraging to see that nondiscrimination legislation has support from members of both parties and key business voices including @Fidelity, @TechNetUpdate, @TXCompetes and @NTxCommission. #txlege https://t.co/ZmvAJxqTtH
— Joe Straus (@SpeakerStraus) May 27, 2020
Also applauding the announcement was the ACLU—a constant opponent of the Texas GOP on virtually every issue.
We're applauding this bi-partisan effort ???????????? Thank you @jessicafortexas @SarahforHD134 @toddahunter & others!
All Texans should be able to live freely, without fear of discrimination based on sexual orientation & gender identity. #YallMeansAll #TXLege https://t.co/8BusasqkXv
— ACLU of Texas (@ACLUTx) May 28, 2020
Sarah Davis is the most liberal Republican in the Texas House. In the most recent legislative session, Davis earned a 30 on the Fiscal Responsibility Index, making her the lowest-performing Republican (and even underperforming two Democrat lawmakers). Notably, the Index does not include votes on social issues, an area in which Davis constantly moves against her fellow lawmakers.
Todd Hunter is one of the longest-serving members of the Texas House and was first elected as a Democrat before switching parties. He earned a 55 on the Index last session.
