Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recently opened an investigation into San Antonio because of their recent discrimination against a popular fast food restaurant—now he’s suing the city.
In a press release Monday, Paxton stated he filed a petition in court against the city to compel them to release public documents related to their recent discrimination against Chick-fil-A. San Antonio initially refused to reveal the documents when Paxton requested them.
The issue traces back to March, when San Antonio City Council voted to ban Chick-fil-A from the city’s airport, discriminating against the company solely because of the owner’s beliefs on marriage. According to the council, Chick-fil-A has a “legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior” by supporting such radical organizations like The Salvation Army and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“With this decision, the city council reaffirmed the work our city has done to become a champion of equality and inclusion,” said Council Member Robert Treviño, immediately after voting to exclude the company. “San Antonio is a city full of compassion, and we do not have room in our public facilities for a business with a legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior.”
The ban sparked nationwide backlash and an investigation by Paxton, and the city has been obstinate in revealing public documents related to the ban.
“The Public Information Act ensures that ‘the people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know,’” Paxton’s release read. “Nevertheless, the City of San Antonio has refused to comply with the Office of the Attorney General’s investigation, instead claiming an exemption to disclosure.”
Paxton added that the city is scared of the public finding out more about the council’s discriminatory action.
“The city’s extreme position only highlights its fear about allowing any sunshine on the religious bigotry that animated its decision,” Paxton said.
The investigation is currently ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
