By: Estes, et al. S.B. No. 2065
(Sanford, Cook, Geren, Harless, Farney)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the rights of certain religious organizations and
individuals relating to a marriage that violates a sincerely held
religious belief.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 2, Family Code, is amended by adding
Subchapter G to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER G. FREEDOM OF RELIGION WITH RESPECT TO RECOGNIZING OR
PERFORMING CERTAIN MARRIAGES
Sec. 2.601. RIGHTS OF CERTAIN RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 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.
Sec. 2.602. DISCRIMINATION AGAINST RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION
PROHIBITED. A refusal to provide services, accommodations,
facilities, goods, or privileges under Section 2.601 is not the
basis for a civil or 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 2. 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, 2015.