Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a law that would prevent state and local governments from issuing subpoenas for religious sermons.
The “Sermon Safeguard Bill” also protects religious leaders from being compelled to testify in court regarding their sermons.
Abbott signed the law at the Grace Community Church in the Woodlands on Sunday alongside Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and faith leaders from across Texas.
In a statement, Abbott said, “Freedom of religion is the most sacred of our rights – it is what makes us American and is what gave our nation its start.”
Sermon Safeguard Bill signed into law. Religious freedom is beyond the reach of the government. https://t.co/9TLQs98nnk #txlege pic.twitter.com/xhFAxNrG8S
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) May 21, 2017
“Efforts to erode religious liberty are a threat to all liberty, and our religious leaders must be absolutely secure in the knowledge that religious freedom is beyond the reach of government,” Abbott said.
“I am proud to sign this bill to shield our pastors’ sermons from subpoena and their right to speak freely about their faith. As governor, I will always fight to preserve our religious liberty as Americans, and as Texans.”
