HB 3172’s stated purpose is “protection of religious beliefs,” but HB 3172 actually would provide a
defense for religious conduct—even conduct that hurts other people.
Friends,
Spend a few minutes today calling House State Affairs to oppose HB 3172. As a reminder, this bill would permit any person to claim religion as a reason for not complying with generally applicable laws, including precluding the state from revoking a license of a child care facility that uses corporal punishment.
We expect a committee substitute for this bill, and your legislator may say they have heard the sub addresses the concerns, but it is not really possible to address all the concerns with this bill without gutting the bill. A bill of this magnitude needs a stakeholder process where differences can be worked out deliberately.
So, call as many as you are able and ask them to oppose the bill. Feel free to use information from the attached one pager or Josh’s testimony to the committee.
If you are a constituent of one of the members, please organize calls from your community. DO NOT take any vote for granted on this one.
Let me know if you have any questions or if you learn anything interesting.
Rep. Dade Phelan: (877) 448-4496 (Chair)
Rep. Ana Hernandez: (877) 297-4973
Rep. Joe Deshotel: (877) 631-3025
Rep. R.D. Guerra: (877) 355-6436
Rep. Sam Harless: (877) 686-3497
Rep. Justin Holland: (877) 679-4895
Rep. Todd Hunter: (877) 772-2759
Rep. Phil King: (877) 740-3353
Rep. Tan Parker: (877) 769-2859
Rep. Richard Raymond: (877) 760-2579
Rep. Eddie Rodriguez: (877) 537-5697
Rep. John Smithee: (877) 663-6965
Rep. Drew Springer: (877) 253-9659
After much anticipation, it is with joy that we are able to share that we have a new location for For Everyone Born – 2018 Convocation!
Join us and hundreds of other United Methodists at the St. Louis Airport Hilton in St. Louis, MO on July 26-29.
It will be a powerful experience to gather so close to the site of the 2019 General Conference as we work for justice and dream about what it means to be a church that is “For Everyone Born.”
We look forward to being able to share the agenda and registration with you soon, but until then, plan to see us in St. Louis!
Please find the October 2017 Rio Texas MFSA newsletter here: 2017 Oct
In addition to our Featured Beneficiaries this year (Transgender Education Network of Texas and the upcoming Austin LGBTQ Center), a portion of Austin PRIDE Proceeds will be donated to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
You have come to expect amazing entertainment from Austin PRIDE and this year will be no exception!! Due to rescheduled dates, entertainment line up is being re-confirmed. Once all entertainment is confirmed, we will announce the complete line up.
Discounted tickets will be available online! This year, Festival Tickets purchased in advance will be able to enter the Festival at ANY entrance, including a new Family Zone Entrance.
Discounted tickets are on sale NOW! Please note: Previously purchased tickets for the 2017 will still be valid for the rescheduled dates.
Want to get into the Festival for FREE? Volunteer! Volunteer registration is currently OPEN! You can register online at austinpride.org
PRIDE EVENT UPDATES:
Austin PRIDE announcements will be released via our Official Austin PRIDE App! Download the Austin PRIDE App for iPhone and Android!
Formed in 2010, The Austin Gay and Lesbian Pride Foundation (AGLPF) is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to managing and organizing Austin’s annual PRIDE celebration and Stonewall Tribute.
For more information on this and other Austin PRIDE Week events visit austinpride.org
Festival Vendor and Parade Registration is now OPEN. To register, visit: austinpride.org
*all acts subject to change without notice
Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action 