Text of TX HB 4512 (2019)

By: Cain H.B. No. 4512 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, 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 organization or individual. 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: (1) a civil cause of action by any person; or (2) a 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, 2019.