Sen. Ted Cruz Blasts San Antonio Ordinance, Calls For Texans To Stand Up For Religious Freedom

San Antonio, TX, August 7, 2013 – The San Antonio City Council is currently considering a controversial ordinance to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the discrimination ordinances in the city code. The proposal would ban anyone that holds traditional views of sexuality from being involved in city government or performing a city contract. Legal scholars warn that the ordinance would infringe upon the freedom of religion and speech guaranteed by the First Amendment of U.S. Constitution and would violate the Texas Constitution and Texas law.

Today, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz released the following statement:

“Any attempt to bar an individual from public service based on a personal religious conviction is contrary to the liberties guaranteed us under our constitution and should be emphatically opposed. It is encouraging to see so many Texans standing up to defend their religious freedoms in light of the misguided proposal put forth by the local city council.”

Texas Values President Jonathan Saenz said, “This proposed ordinance contains some of the most blatant and unprecedented violations of the religious freedom of Texans that I have ever seen. I thank Senator Cruz for taking a bold stand against this unconstitutional proposal and for encouraging Texans to defend their fundamental rights. Any form of this ordinance is a major threat to the religious liberty of everyone in San Antonio.”

Outrage to the ordinance has been building around the state and nation over the last several weeks, including among a large coalition of churches and community leaders in San Antonio. Tonight, citizens have their first opportunity to address the City Council about the ordinance during the “Citizens to be Heard” portion of today’s council meeting.

About Texas Values

Texas Values is a non-profit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at txvalues.org.