Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued the following statement applauding the passage of the Senate Bill 2065 by Sen. Craig Estes on second reading.

“Across our nation, religious values have come under assault, and today’s bipartisan action in the Texas House is a clear step forward in the ongoing effort to preserve our first freedom: religious liberty. This overwhelming vote shows undisputable support for protecting our faith leaders and standing up against government’s attempts to force Texans to act against their sincerely held beliefs. I commend Sen. Craig Estes and Rep. Scott Sanford for championing this legislation, as well as the pastors who have shared testimony and the lawmakers who fought for the core values of our state and citizens.”