Martyr Touring With Ted Cruz

To promote his Iowa "Rally For Religious Liberty" Ted Cruz has interviewed the owners of Gortz Haus Gallery, who in 2013 sued the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, claiming that public accommodation laws violate their right to refuse to host same-sex weddings at their bistro. Their lawsuit came after a gay couple filed a complaint after having been turned away. In December 2014 the owners settled with complaint by paying the gay couple $5000. They then voluntarily decided to stop hosting all weddings rather than comply with Iowa law. Which makes them the perfect martyrs for Ted Cruz.

KANSAS: Archbishop Praises Brownback For Religous Liberty Executive Order

"We are grateful that Governor Brownback has acted so swiftly to address some of the threats to religious freedom that have taken on new urgency since the United States Supreme Court’s misguided decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. Given the far-reaching effects that redefining marriage will have on the law, and the fact that this incredibly consequential change in national social policy was effected by judicial fiat rather than the democratic process, there is tremendous uncertainty as to what the Obergefell decision will mean for everyday people just trying live their faith as they always have.

"Over the last several years, Catholic Charities in Boston, Washington D.C., and Illinois have been forced to close their adoption ministries because they will only place children in homes with a mother and father. Just last week, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industry fined the Christian owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa $135,000 for declining to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding ceremony. Now that a constitutional right to same-sex marriage has been created, these kinds of cases, already on the rise, will undoubtedly proliferate.

"Kansans who believe that every child deserves a mother and a father should not be punished by the government for that belief. We urge Governor Brownback and members of the Legislature to make the protection of religious freedom for all Kansans a top priority in the coming months. Generations of Americans have taken freedom of conscience for granted. We, sadly, do not have that luxury anymore." - Archbishop Joseph Naumann, via press release.

TEXAS: Clerk Won't Issue Licenses

Yesterday Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton declared that clerks can refuse to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Today we've got our first taker.

Trinity County Clerk Shasta Bergman issued a statement Monday that said she will not issue licenses to same-sex couples for religious reasons and as a matter of conscience. “However on the heels of the Supreme Court decision, my staff and I have worked out a solution that works for each person's religious freedoms as well as other personal beliefs and opinions,” Bergman said. “After checking with each deputy clerk in order to get their individual perspectives on this issue and to ensure that any decision was not going to trample the rights of any clerk by delegating the duty to someone who held the same religious beliefs as myself.” Bergman said as a result of the meeting between her and her staff, they have concluded that all marriage licenses will be given by appointment only to make sure no clerk is in a position to go against his or her beliefs, and no citizens are denied their rights to be provided with a marriage license. According to Bergman, there will be clerks available to issue licenses to same-sex couples, and there will be clerks that will not issue the licenses because of religious convictions.

Trinity County is near Houston and has a population of 14K. (Tipped by JMG reader Gene)

TEXAS: Gov. Greg Abbott Issues "Religious Liberty" Directive To Protect Anti-Gay State Staffers From "Adverse Action"

Via Talking Points Memo:

Following the ruling, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued a directive on Friday ordering state agencies to "prioritize compliance" with the First Amendment and Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The directive states that agencies should make sure that nobody "takes any adverse action against" people "substantially motivated by sincere religious belief."

"The law protects religious liberty not only in houses of worship—but also in schools, in businesses, in the military, in public forums, and in the town square. These protections are afforded to all people, of all faiths," Abbott wrote in the directive. "Yet in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision, the law’s promise of religious liberty will be tested by some who seek to silence and marginalize those whose conscience will not allow them to participate in or endorse marriages that are incompatible with their religious beliefs."

In a statement blasting the Supreme Court's decision earlier on Friday, Abbott said that he would take direct action to protect the religious liberties of Texas residents. "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 and one woman. Later today, I will be issuing a directive to state agencies instructing them to prioritize the protection of Texans’ religious liberties," he said in a statement.

Marriage licenses are being issued in many Texas counties. 

Read the full directive.

LOUISIANA: House Committee Rejects "Religious Liberty" Bill For 2015 Session

This is the bill that Bobby Jindal has been using to sell his presidential bid. From last month:

Jindal insists the law is not about discrimination, but rather prohibiting the state from enacting punitive measures against people who act, in the words of the proposed law, "in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction about the institution of marriage." Asked at a press conference April 16 if any punitive measures have been imposed here, Jindal said they hadn't but cited cases in other states where, he claims, bakers and florists were forced to provide their services to same-sex weddings under the threat of fines. "It has not happened in Louisiana," Jindal told reporters, "and it certainly won't happen as long as I'm governor and I can prevent it from happening."   Meanwhile, Jindal received a letter last week from IBM's top Louisiana official expressing the company's "strong opposition" to HB 707. "IBM has made significant investments in Louisiana including most recently a technology services delivery center in Baton Rouge, creating new jobs for Louisiana workers," wrote James M. Driesse, the company's senior state executive.

I'll update this post with Jindal's reaction.

UPDATE: Oh brother.

IOWA: Bobby Jindal Launches "Religious Liberty" Ad Campaign On Local TV

Via Breitbart:

American Future Project, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal’s issues advocacy group, is running ads starting today in Iowa touting the need for protection for religious liberty in America. “Our religious liberty must in no way ever be linked to the ever-changing opinions of the public,” Jindal is quoted as saying in a speech he gave to Liberty University to open the ad. “We must understand that our freedom of conscience protects all Americans of every persuasion.” The ad shows Jindal meeting with people across the country and in a church, and then quotes him from another speech. “These are rights endowed by our creator given to humanity by God,” Jindal said in that speech. “The United States of America did not create religious liberty. Religious liberty created the United States of America.” The Iowa ad will run on cable television and online for one week in the nation’s first presidential state.

Jindal will announce his presidential plans on June 11th.

Jeb Bush: Keep Fighting Against Same-Sex Marriage No Matter How SCOTUS Rules

"I think traditional marriage is a sacrament. To imagine how we are going to succeed in our country unless we have committed family life, committed child-centered family system is hard to imagine. So, irrespective of the Supreme Court ruling because they are going to decide whatever they decide, I don’t know what they are going to do, we need to be stalwart supporters of traditional marriage. Thousands of years of culture and history are being changed at warp speed. It’s hard to fathom why it is this way." -  Jeb Bush, speaking yesterday to Christian broadcaster CBN.  

Later in the same interview Bush backed the right of businesses to turn away LGBT customers:  "A big country - a tolerant country - ought to be able to figure out the difference between discriminating someone because of their sexual orientation and not forcing someone to participate in a wedding that they find goes against their moral beliefs. We should be able to figure this out. This should not be that complicated. But gosh. it is right now.” 

Jeb Bush At Liberty University: The Bible Provides America's Moral Vocabulary

“It is not only untrue, but also a little ungrateful, to dismiss the Christian faith as some obstacle to enlightened thought, some ancient, irrelevant creed wearing out its welcome in the modern world. Whether or not we acknowledge the source, Hebrew Scripture and the New Testament still provide the moral vocabulary we all use in America – and may it always be so. As usual, the present administration is supporting the use of coercive federal power. What should be easy calls, in favor of religious freedom, have instead become an aggressive stance against it. Somebody here is being small-minded and intolerant, and it sure isn’t the nuns, ministers, and laymen and women who ask only to live and practice their faith. Federal authorities are demanding obedience, in complete disregard of religious conscience – and in a free society, the answer is no." - Jeb Bush, delivering a commencement address yesterday at Liberty University.

Bobby Jindal: Save Your Breath, I'll Always Oppose Civil Rights For LGBT Americans

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal today published an op-ed for the New York Times in which he vows to continue his battle against same-sex marriage and for discriminatory anti-LGBT legislation. An excerpt:

As the fight for religious liberty moves to Louisiana, I have a clear message for any corporation that contemplates bullying our state: Save your breath. In 2010, Louisiana adopted a Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which prohibits government from unduly burdening a person’s exercise of religion. However, given the changing positions of politicians, judges and the public in favor of same-sex marriage, along with the potential for discrimination against Christian individuals and businesses that comes with these shifts, I plan in this legislative session to fight for passage of the Marriage and Conscience Act.

The legislation would prohibit the state from denying a person, company or nonprofit group a license, accreditation, employment or contract — or taking other “adverse action” — based on the person or entity’s religious views on the institution of marriage. Some corporations have already contacted me and asked me to oppose this law. I am certain that other companies, under pressure from radical liberals, will do the same. They are free to voice their opinions, but they will not deter me.

I hold the view that has been the consensus in our country for over two centuries: that marriage is between one man and one woman. Polls indicate that the American consensus is changing — but like many other believers, I will not change my faith-driven view on this matter, even if it becomes a minority opinion. A pluralistic and diverse society like ours can exist only if we all tolerate people who disagree with us. That’s why religious freedom laws matter — and why it is critical for conservatives and business leaders to unite in this debate.

If we, as conservatives, are to succeed in advancing the cause of freedom and free enterprise, the business community must stand shoulder to shoulder with those fighting for religious liberty. The left-wing ideologues who oppose religious freedom are the same ones who seek to tax and regulate businesses out of existence.

Hit the link for the full drivel.

Maggie Gallagher: Christians Must Be Prepared To Rebuild A Ruined Civilization

New USA Today Poll On RFRA Bills

In addition to the above responses, 51% believe that it's "impractical" for the Supreme Court to rule against same-sex marriage because it's already legal in so many states. More from the poll:

Americans believe discrimination against gay men and lesbians continues to be widespread: 28% say there is "a great deal" of discrimination; another 44% say there is "some." Fifteen percent say there is "only a little," and 9% see none at all. And an overwhelming 76% oppose revoking a church's tax-exempt status if it doesn't recognize same-sex marriages. Even among those who favor gay marriage, only one in five would support such a move. But some bitter divisions remain as those on opposite sides of the issue view one another. In the poll, 35% of those opposed to same-sex marriage say they wouldn't respect someone who supported it. And 25% of those who favor same-sex marriage say they wouldn't respect someone who opposed it. The issue is sure to flare during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Bobby Jindal: I Won't Cave On RFRA

"Let me be crystal clear – I absolutely intend to fight for the passage of this legislation – and any other that seeks to preserve our most fundamental freedoms. The truth is, this should not be a conservative vs liberal debate. Last I checked, we were all in favor of the Bill of Rights. And here in Louisiana, as long as I’m your governor, we will protect religious liberty and not apologize for it. Diversity of belief and religious liberty are the foundation of our law and Constitution and they should be protected. In the United States, a state should not be able to take adverse action against an individual for holding a sincerely held religious view regarding marriage. That would be true discrimination." - Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, in yesterday's State Of The State address.

More from the Associated Press:

A religious objections bill similar to laws that have ignited a political firestorm in Arkansas and Indiana ran into a roadblock with the Louisiana Legislature on Monday, the first day of the legislative session. Though it is supported by Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, the "Marriage and Conscience Act" is opposed by Senate President John Alario, who said "it puts Louisiana in a light of hatred and bigotry and discrimination. "And as lawmakers gaveled in the spring session, the bill wasn't sent to a House committee, stalling the measure, at least temporarily, from getting a public hearing or legislative vote. In fact, of the hundreds of bills introduced Monday, the proposal sponsored by Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Bossier City, was the only bill that was not sent to committee.

The measure was bottled up after a legislator tried to take action on the bill while Johnson wasn't present, said Rep. Walt Leger, the No. 2 ranking lawmaker who was presiding at the time. Leger, D-New Orleans, an opponent of the legislation, wouldn't provide further details about what action was sought. Johnson did not return requests for comment. As written, the legislation would ban the state from denying any resident business licenses, benefits or tax deductions because of any actions that person takes "in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction" about marriage. Affected businesses could include wedding planners, photographers and bakers who object to working with gay couples but fear state retribution.

Tweet Of The Week

Tony Perkins: Veto The Indiana RFRA Fix

"On the eve of Good Friday, Big Business is encouraging elected leaders to take the silver over religious freedom.This new proposal guts the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and empowers the government to impose punishing fines on people for following their beliefs about marriage. Religious freedom should not be held hostage by Big Business. Big Business is now putting religious freedom in a worse place than before RFRA was signed into law. Gutting RFRA in this manner would put people of faith in the crosshairs of government discrimination as never before. Far from being a 'clarification,' this would gut religious freedom in Indiana. Religious freedom doesn't need a 'fix.' This proposal would force religious businesses and even nonprofits deemed 'not religious enough' to participate in wedding ceremonies contrary to their owners' beliefs. If the government punishes people for living their faith, there are no limits to what government can control. We urge the governor to veto this measure that will be used by the government to bring financial ruin on people like florist Barronelle Stutzman, bakers Aaron and Melissa Klein, and wedding photographer Elaine Huguenin." - KKK-affiliated hate group leader Tony Perkins, via press release.

NOTE: If you're wondering why the hate cabal always brings up the same names, that's because (as far as I can tell) only six businesses have ever been fined for violating gay-inclusive public accommodations laws since Wisconsin became the first state with such an ordinance 33 years ago. But go on any wingnut site and you'll be told that evil gays are closing down Christian businesses right and left every single day.

INDIANA: Haters Have The Sadz, Allies & LGBTs Say "Fix" Isn't Good Enough

While FRC vice president JP Duffy and other crackpots rend their garments, our side is pointing out that Indiana's RFRA fix isn't nearly good enough. Via Think Progress:

LGBT people in Indiana gain no new rights from the fix: In the wake of the backlash against the original Indiana RFRA law, many LGBT rights groups hope that the state would enact anti-discrimination provisions protecting gay and trans people in Indiana at the state level. The fix includes none of these protections. What that means is that LGBT people who live in cities like Indianapolis will regain the rights they already enjoyed before the state RFRA law took effect, but LGBT people who were unprotected before this law will remain unprotected.

Also dismissing the fix is Angie's List.

Carly Fiorina On RFRA And Marriage

"The debate about gay marriage is really a debate about how the government bestows benefits and whether they should be bestowed equally. I believe they should. I also believe that people of religious conviction know that marriage is a religious institution with a spiritual foundation because only a man and a woman can create life, which is a gift that comes from God. We must protect their rights as well. I hope that we come to a place in this country where we are prepared to have respectful differences and tolerate those two views. Religious liberty and tolerance are too important to our country. It is frankly sad to me that politics has become a fact-free zone. It is sad that so many people on the left were quick to turn this into a divisive and destructive debate so they could further their own brand of identity politics. It is sad that CEOs took to Twitter before checking their facts, adding to the division instead of helping build tolerance." - Likely 2016 presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, posting yesterday to her Facebook page.

Doesn't it seem like Fiorina just endorsed same-sex marriage? I thought so and this USA Today headline makes that assertion, but a rep for Fiorina says something different to Bloomberg:

When reached for comment, spokesperson Anna Epstein said that Fiorina has, for years, supported government benefits for same-sex couples bound by civil unions. "Carly is against discrimination and for government benefits for same sex couples," Epstein said. "She's been supportive of civil unions and was supportive of them in her run in California in 2010." In her statement Fiorina chastised "people on the left" as well as the CEOs from companies joining in a boycott of Indiana over its new law for not attempting to help "build tolerance." "It has been tough for some in the media to understand my position because I refuse to join the game of name calling and vitriol. Politics shouldn't be a game, however. We must find a way to respect one another, to celebrate a culture that protects religious freedom while condemning discrimination," Fiornia said.

ARKANSAS: Senate Approves Amended RFRA "Nearly Identical" To Fed Version

Via Arkansas Online:

The Arkansas Senate on Wednesday night approved transmitting two amended existing bills to the House that add language that mirrors the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Senate Bills 229 and 975 as amended serve as potential compromises to House Bill 1228, a bill opponents say could allow for discrimination against gay people while the bill's main sponsor has said it strengthens religious freedom protections. SB 229 passed with 26 voting for and six voting against, and SB975 passed with 25 voting for and no one voting against. Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Wednesday morning that he had asked legislators to amend HB1228 or present a new bill with language more closely matching the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Several senators said they were upset of the "hostile" takeover of SB975, originally sponsored by Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch to amend state law concerning government entities regulating free exercise of religion.

More from the Arkansas Times:

For those of you who may be wondering the significance of SB 229 and 975: There is none. They were bills that had failed previously in the session and therefore simply acted as empty vessels to be filled with new substance via an amendment. We've long since passed the filing deadline of the legislative session, which is the date after which no new bills can be filed. However, new amendments can be filed up until the end of the session, and an amendment can make any change to a bill that's already been filed previously. An amendment can, in fact, remove every bit of language from the original bill and rewrite it into something entirely different — which is what happened in this case. Whatever those bills contained beforehand is immaterial. However, it's still fun to mention that SB 229 was intended to protect Arkansas citizens from Sharia Law, sponsored by Sen. John Cooper (R-Jonesboro). That represents some deep level of irony that we can't quite grasp in our current fatigued state.

The AP recaps: "Unlike the version on Hutchinson's desk, the new proposal only addresses action by government, not individuals or businesses."

ARKANSAS: Gov. Asa Hutchinson Won't Sign RFRA Bill Unless There Are Changes

Hutchinson opened his press conference by noting that his own son had signed the petition asking him to issue a veto. The influence of Walmart in today's decision cannot be underestimated.

LIVE VIDEO: Arkansas Governor Holds Press Conference On Anti-Gay RFRA Bill

At 10:30AM local time Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson will hold a press conference on his state's license to discriminate bill, which was sent to his desk yesterday by the Arkansas House. Hutchinson has vowed to sign the bill, but that was before Walmart stomped into the issue yesterday wearing their trillion-dollar boots. Watch live here.

UPDATE: Here's the full video.

INDIANA: GOP Legislators Propose RFRA Deal With Limited LGBT Protections

Indiana GOP leaders are vetting a proposed RFRA change that would clarify that private businesses may not discriminate against LGBT citizens on the basis of religious beliefs. Via the Indianapolis Star:

A copy of the language obtained by The Indianapolis Star was being presented to Gov. Mike Pence Wednesday morning. The measure would specify that the new religious freedom law cannot be used as a legal defense to discriminate against residents based on their sexual orientation. The measure goes much further than a "preamble" that was proposed earlier in the week, explaining exactly what the RFRA law does. But it doesn't go as far as establishing gays and lesbians as a protected class of citizens or repealing the law outright, both things that Republican leaders have said they could not support. The clarification would say that the new "religious freedom" law does not authorize a provider – including businesses or individuals -- to refuse to offer or provide its services, facilities, goods, or public accommodation to any member of the public based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Churches and non-profits would be exempted under the change. But the haters are still going to scream bloody murder.