Holt Bill Lets Any Wedding Vendor Refuse Over Religious Belief

The text as introduced · 343 words

90R925 KRM-D

By: Holt
H.B. No. 242

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the rights of persons relating to a marriage that

violates a sincerely held religious belief.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 2.601, Family Code, is amended to read as

follows:

Sec. 2.601. RELIGIOUS RIGHTS RELATED TO SOLEMNIZING OR

PROVIDING SERVICES FOR MARRIAGE CEREMONY [ OF CERTAIN RELIGIOUS

ORGANIZATIONS ]. An individual, a [ A ] religious organization, an

organization supervised or controlled by or in connection with a

religious organization, an individual employed by a religious

organization while acting in the scope of that employment, or a

clergy or minister may not be required to solemnize any marriage or

provide services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges

for a purpose related to the solemnization, formation, or

celebration of any marriage if the action would cause the

organization or individual to violate a sincerely held religious

belief of the individual or organization .

SECTION 2. Section 2.602, Family Code, is amended to read as

follows:

Sec. 2.602. DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RELIGIOUS BELIEF

[ AGAINST RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION ] PROHIBITED. A refusal to provide

services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges under

Section 2.601 is not the basis for a :

(1) civil cause of action by any person; or

(2) criminal cause of action or any other action by

this state or a political subdivision of this state to penalize or

withhold benefits or privileges, including tax exemptions or

governmental contracts, grants, or licenses, from any protected

organization or individual.

SECTION 3. Section 2.602, Family Code, as amended by this

Act, applies only to a cause of action that accrues or an action

taken on or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2027.