(TX) House, Senate pass controversial faith-based, transgender-related bills
Ashley Goudeau, KVUE
8:05 PM. CDT May 10, 2017
AUSTIN - A controversial bill that critics say openly discriminates against potential foster parents is now headed to the Senate.
The Texas House of Representatives on Wednesday approved House Bill 3859 by Representative James Frank (R-Wichita Falls) which protects a faith-based agency's ability to place children in homes based on the group's "sincerely held religious beliefs."
But critics say they oppose giving taxpayer dollars to agencies that openly discriminate against, and don't assign children to foster parents with different beliefs. And they are concerned potential Jewish, Muslim, atheist and LGBT foster families will be further discriminated against.
"We've prioritized the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs, which may result in discrimination," said Representative Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie). "And they may be the winner in this equation but the child is the loser."
http://www.kvue.com/news/local/house-senate-pass-controversial-faith-based-transgender-related-bills/438648226
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=85R&Bill=HB3859
2:21 video at link.
