Warning Bell for Religious Freedom

Our friends at Liberty Institute and the Family Research Council have released the 2014 edition of Undeniable: The Survey of Hostility to Religion in America. The report documents 1,600 incidents this year – an increase of 25 percent from last year. The report clearly demonstrates that unprecedented hostility to religion does exist in America today, and the denial of these attacks continues to threaten fundamental religious freedom of people of all faiths. To view and download a free copy of the 2014 “Undeniable” report, visit www.religioushostility.org.

Texas Values President Jonathan Saenz spoke with Fox 7 in Austin this week about the growing attacks on religious freedom. He highlighted the growing number of attacks right here in Texas and our efforts to successfully pass the Merry Christmas Law to protect religious freedom in our public schools. Read more and watch his interview.

Texas Values was on the scene last week at the 2014 Values Voters Summit in Washington D.C. One of the most powerful stories shared at the summit was that of Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of a small bakery in Oregon that was forced to close after being targeted by homosexual activists and the government for simply seeking to run their business in a manner consistent with their Christian faith. Our friends at Family Research Council share their story:

The couple, who owned a small Oregon bakery in Gresham, won the hearts of everyone watching with a powerful story of standing for their faith — even when it cost them their store, and maybe, their life’s savings. The parents of five, Aaron and Melissa were one of the dozens of family wedding vendors targeted by homosexual activists for their Christian faith. Sued, harassed, vandalized, and threatened to the point that the couple had to close their doors, the Kleins still didn’t budge…When Melissa teared up explaining how meaningful it was to be a part of the brides’ and grooms’ lives, Americans finally got a glimpse of the real victims in this debate. And it isn’t the radical Left. “To be told they’re going to force me to convey a message other than what I want to convey — it flies in the face of the Constitution,” Aaron explained. “It’s a violation of my conscience. It’s a violation of my religious freedom. It’s horrible to see your own government doing this to you.” Watch their powerful testimony.

‘What is Marriage?’ Dallas Event

Can religious freedom stand if marriage is redefined? Our ‘What is Marriage?’ Event in Dallas on Oct.16 is filling up fast. The event will feature one of the nation’s foremost marriage and religious liberty advocates, Ryan T. Anderson from The Heritage Foundation. You won’t want to miss this free event! Find out more and get your free tickets here.

Tonight: Join Us for Bedford Event

Texas Values will be joining the Life, Liberty, and Property Tour TONIGHT, Oct. 2, in Bedford. We will join our conservative friends, including Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, Texas Eagle Forum, Texas Right to Life, Texas Homeschool Coalition, and others for a discussion of the future of Texas and how Texas can truly protect life, liberty, and property. Join us at 6:30 PM at Micon: The Ballroom at 3508 Harwood Rd. #202 in Bedford. Get more details here.