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Greg Abbott on Families & Children |
Summary by Reuters news service:The Texas governor signed a law to protect the religious rights of faith-based groups in state child welfare programs, but critics said it could be used to discriminate against LGBT and non-Christian families in adoptions. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 3859 which allows faith-based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services "under circumstances that conflict with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs." It was supported by several Christian groups.
Legislative Outcome: Passed by Senate 21-10-0 on May/22/17; Passed by House 93-49-11 on May/10/17; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/17
We need more workers, with better training, smarter strategies and real accountability to safeguard our children. While improving child safety in CPS, we must also remain vigilant in protecting parental rights. We must remember that the best place for a child, if at all possible, is with their parents. We also need to develop a Network of Nurture. We need a legion of families in every county who can open their homes and open their hearts to fostering our vulnerable children. Do not underfund this rickety system only to have it come back and haunt you.
"The Supreme Court has abandoned its role as an impartial judicial arbiter, [and] have imposed on the entire country their personal views on an issue that the Constitution and the Court's previous decisions reserve to the people of the States.
"Despite the Supreme Court's rulings, Texans' fundamental right to religious liberty remains protected. No Texan is required by the Supreme Court's decision to act contrary to his or her religious beliefs regarding marriage.
"The Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, combined with the newly enacted Pastor Protection Act, provide robust legal protections to Texans whose faith commands them to adhere to the traditional understanding of marriage.
"As I have done in the past, I will continue to defend the religious liberties of all Texans--including those whose conscience dictates that marriage is only the union of one man & one woman.
