Civil SocietyIRS Grants Tax-Exempt Status to Christian Civics Group, Reversing Course
Isaiah MitchellJuly 7, 2021
Previously, the IRS said the group didn't qualify since "bible teachings are typically affiliated with the [Republican] party."
HomeTagReligious Liberty | The Texan
Civil SocietyLocal NewsReligious Freedom Case of Waco Judge Who Refused to Perform Same-Sex Ceremonies Dismissed
Kim RobertsJuly 1, 2021
A Waco area justice of the peace who was publicly warned after refusing to perform same-sex ceremonies has had her religious freedom case dismissed.
Civil SocietyFederalIRS Denies Tax Exemption to Christian Texas Group, Says Bible Teachings ‘Typically Affiliated’ With Republicans
Isaiah MitchellJune 23, 2021
The IRS said the Republican-founded group isn't neutral enough for tax-exempt status. It encourages Christian civic engagement.
87th LegislatureCivil SocietyLaw to Keep Faith Organizations ‘Essential’ During Disasters Takes Immediate Effect
Isaiah MitchellJune 22, 2021
Perhaps the broadest law of its kind to pass the 87th legislature, Shaheen's bill applies to the state and all its local subdivisions.
Civil SocietyJudicialTexas Supreme Court Sides With Lubbock Diocese Over Deacon Accused of Sexual Misconduct
Isaiah MitchellJune 17, 2021
The diocese's handling of an alleged sexual misconduct instance is a matter of ecclesiastical rather than civil law, the court decided.
87th LegislatureState HouseState SenateTexas GOP Priority Legislation Lingers With One Month Left in Session
Daniel FriendMay 3, 2021
With only until the end of the month for lawmakers to pass bills, here’s where the progress on the Texas GOP’s legislative priorities currently stands.
Civil SocietyJudicialLocal NewsHouston Synagogue Sues City, Claiming Selective Enforcement of Land-Use Laws
Isaiah MitchellApril 7, 2021
The synagogue claims the city has targeted them by enforcing a law that could apply to other untouched businesses in the neighborhood.
87th LegislatureCivil SocietyState HouseProposals to Keep Churches Open During Disasters Face Texas House Committee
Isaiah MitchellMarch 29, 2021
“If churches are considered non-essential in our state, people will starve to death spiritually,” said Pastor Jorge Tovar.
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Straus Hints at Future Campaign, Texas GOP Priorities Make Progress, Paxton Lobbies Against Budget Cuts
Brad JohnsonMarch 26, 2021
This week — a look at Texas politics this week as committee hearings rapidly heated up.
87th LegislatureStatewide NewsThe Texas Pandemic Response Act: The Proposal to Codify Abbott’s COVID-19 Approach
Daniel FriendMarch 3, 2021
Rep. Burrows filed a bill to create new guidelines for a pandemic response that solidifies the approach Gov. Abbott took to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting criticism from some conservatives. Here’s a look at the debate and what’s inside.
86th LegislatureJudicialHigher Court Sides With Churches Targeted by City’s Hiked Water Rates
Isaiah MitchellDecember 25, 2020
The appeals court agreed that the churches, which pay more for water than regular businesses, deserve another trial.
87th LegislatureIssuesLocal NewsState HouseState SenateProposed Bill Would Bar Elected Officials from Closing Churches, Even During Disasters
Isaiah MitchellDecember 24, 2020
The proposed bill would bar government officials at all levels in Texas from shutting down houses of worship.
IssuesJudicialLocal NewsDuncanville Church Fights Eminent Domain Seizure in Court
Isaiah MitchellOctober 8, 2020
The City of Duncanville has its eyes on a plot of land owned by a small church that's fighting back in court.
Civil SocietyIssuesUniversity of North Texas Professor Fired for Criticizing “Microaggressions” Flyer
Kim RobertsApril 22, 2020
A math professor filed a federal lawsuit against his former employer after he was fired for making a joke about flyers warning of "microaggressions."
Civil SocietyHealthcareIssuesLocal NewsDallas County Churches Rally Behind Their Communities in Light of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Charity NicholsonMarch 30, 2020
Dallas County found itself at the forefront of Texas’ coronavirus crisis, and local churches responded. Here's how these churches are serving their community.
Civil SocietyHealthcareIssuesAccused of First Amendment Violation Against Churches, City of McKinney Amends Stay-At-Home Order
Kim RobertsMarch 27, 2020
When the mayor of McKinney issued a stay-at-home order, a legal organization committed to defending religious freedom said it violated the First Amendment.
Civil SocietyEducationFederalTrump Announces Revised Guidance on Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Schools
Daniel FriendJanuary 16, 2020
In 2018, a group of Texas middle-school students were stopped from praying in sight of their peers. President Trump announced new guidance to protect the religious liberty of students and teachers.
Civil SocietyIssuesLocal NewsStatewide NewsWaco Judge’s Punishment by Texas Commission Raises Concerns Over Religious Liberty Violations
Kim RobertsDecember 18, 2019
Dianne Hensley, a justice of the peace in Waco, is being investigated for citing her Christian faith as reason for refusing to officiate same-sex wedding ceremonies.
86th LegislatureIssuesLocal NewsGovernor Abbott Signs “Chick-fil-A” Bill Into Law After Heated San Antonio Mayoral Race
Tony GuajardoJune 13, 2019
Following a close San Antonio mayoral race, the "Save Chick-fil-A" bill is now law after it was signed by the Governor on Monday.
86th LegislatureIssuesState HouseState SenateHere’s Where Some of the Most Prominent Bills Stand Post-Session
McKenzie TaylorMay 28, 2019
The 86th Legislature is officially over. For those wondering where prominent bills stand, here's a cheat sheet for the session.