AUSTIN - A piece of legislation that seeks to protect attorneys from being discriminated against by the State Bar of Texas for their religious views and exercising their First Amendment rights is a “preemptive action” addressing “cancel culture,” says the bill's author.
On Jan. 23, Sen. Bryan Hughes introduced Senate Bill 559, which relates to discrimination against or burdening certain constitutional rights of an applicant for or holder of a license to practice law in this state.
On Feb. 27, a public hearing was held on SB 559, during which Hughes said the bill seeks to prohibit the State Bar from adopting any rule, policy or penalty that would limit a person’s exercise of religion.
“Senate Bill 559 is a preemptive action to address the current cancel culture we’re all aware of and the growing attacks on freedom of speech and religious freedom,” Hughes said, adding that the bill would make sure no one is hindered from seeking a law license or loses their license based on their faith or First Amendment rights.
Hughes said that lawyers should never be compelled by the state to choose between their First Amendment rights and practicing their profession.