The so-called "Save Chick-fil-A” bill has passed a preliminary vote in the Texas Senate. A final vote is scheduled Thursday.
The Senate revived the issue after it failed to make it to the House floor. Senate Bill 1978 is in response to San Antonio City Council's rejection of a Chick-fil-A opening inside its airport over donations to what critics argue are anti-gay religious groups.
“The San Antonio government went too far by banning Chick-fil-A from opening up a store because some progressive news entity said they didn't think it was a good idea that Chick-fil-A gave donations to entities like The Salvation Army and Fellowship of Christian Athletes,” says Jonathan Saenz, president of Texas Values.
“I think we can all agree the government shouldn't punish private businesses and individuals because they gave donations to religious organizations.”
Saenz says opponents, mainly gay rights activists, are misguided with their attempts to clamp down on what they view as "hate."
“They are making it clear they think it's okay for government to punish Christians because of donations they give to religious organizations or individuals and business owners.”
The Senate already passed a bill that protects the religious rights of occupational license holders in Texas.