A good bill: SB 1978 protects all from government discrimination, not just Christians

Calling it the “Save Chick-fil-A” bill is troublesome.

Throughout the latter part of the 86^th Session of the Texas Legislature, I was bothered by Senate Bill 1978, originally known as a bill to protect religious liberty, becoming known as the “Save Chick-fil-A” bill after San Antonio moved to bar the firm from its airport.

I fully understand why the name was adopted and admit it is likely an effective use of language given the popularity of the chicken sandwich chain. I object to the adopted label because, if understood properly, it says we are acting in the same manner as the Left by using government power to “save” a particular company with views we appreciate in the same way as Leftists are using government power to punish the firm.

SB 1978 and conservative activists behind it were not attempting to use government power to pick a marketplace winner but instead, worked to use legislation to curb local government officials from using government power to punish businesses with a corporate ethos with which they may disagree.

So be clear, it is Republican conservatives who fought for freedom of expression and that freedom, and protection from government interference with such, is enhanced for all whether conservative or liberal, secularist or religious.

Governor Abbott signed SB 1978 on Monday which prevents Texas government entities from taking “adverse action” against people or business enterprises based upon their support for religious organizations or membership in those organizations.

Calling it the “Save Chick-fil-A” bill lends to the Left’s lie that the law gives special protections to conservative Christians.

The bill protects everyone. For example, under the act Amarillo could not take an “adverse action,” such as barring from its airport a kabob stand because its owners are Muslim.

It’s a good bill, don’t let ignorant or agenda-driven media coverage mislead you.