Gov. Abbott signs 'Save Chick-fil-A' bill

Gov. Greg Abbott signed the so-called “Save Chick-fil-A” bill Monday.

Senate bill 1978 by state Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, labeled the “Save Chick-fil-A” bill by some supporters, prohibits government entities from taking “adverse action” against people or businesses based on their membership in, or support for, religious organizations.

Supporters of the bill said the measure is necessary to protect religious freedom. They point to a recent decision by the San Antonio City Council to bar Chick-fil-A from opening a restaurant in the city’s airport and one council member’s cited reason for the decision as “anti-LGBTQ behavior.”

Chick-fil-A’s CEO came out in public opposition to gay marriage in 2012.

Opponents of the bill, including the 86th Legislature’s first-ever LGBTQ Caucus, called the bill discriminatory against LGBTQ people and fought vigorously against its passage with unsuccessful procedural blocks and tearful pleas.

Read more: https://www.statesman.com/news/20190611/gov-abbott-signs-save-chick-fil-a-bill