Following on the heels of the Arkansas legislature’s successful effort to ban local communities from enacting LGBTQ non-discrimination measures, a Texas legislator, state Rep. Rick Miller has introduced a similar bill at the Austin Statehouse. House Bill 1556 would bar cities from adopting or enforcing non-discrimination ordinances that include protected classes not contained in state law. Texas law doesn’t include sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.
According to TexasObserver.org, the bill “would bar cities from adopting or enforcing non-discrimination ordinances that include protected classes not contained in state law. Texas law doesn’t include sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.”
“HB 1556 will prevent local governments from expanding business regulations beyond limitations established in state law,” Miller told the Observer. “Competing and inconsistent local ordinances interfere with economic liberty and discourage business expansion. By promoting instead of restricting business growth, this bill is about job creation and an improved state economy, both of which have a direct, positive impact on Texas citizens. Because every private business is different, nothing in the bill prevents local businesses from voluntarily adopting their own discrimination policy not currently included in state law,” he added.
The bill is part of a growing reaction by Republicans and others to what they see as the inevitability of same-sex marriage. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the matter and many expect the court to come down in favor of allowing two people of the same gender to get married and be recognized by the state. In Oklahoma, legislators recently passed a bill that legitimizes conversion therapy – a controversial technique that aims to alter or otherwise convince children and young adults that they can change their sexual orientation.
Many other bills hostile to LGBTQ protections and dignity are expected in the coming months.
