Calls for Overturning Same-Sex Marriage, ‘Dispelling the Myth of Separation of Church and State,’ Supports Anti-LGBT ‘Religious Freedom’ Legislation
While Texas GOP Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was busy railing against the Obama administration’s directive this week on transgender restroom use in public schools, delegates to the Republican Party’s state convention were quietly backing him up by approving two new anti-trans platform planks.Â
The first anti-trans plank appears in a section of the 2016 Texas GOP platform called, “Strengthening Families, Protecting Life, and Promoting Health: Celebrating Traditional Marriage.”Â
It reads:Â
Gender Identity — We urge the enactment of legislation addressing individuals’ use of bathrooms, showers and locker rooms that correspond with their biologically determined sex.Â
This plank was approved by a whopping 90 percent of GOP delegates to the party’s state convention in Dallas.Â
The other anti-trans bathroom plank is under “Educating Our Children: Local Control and Transparency of Curriculum and Funding: Governance.” The mention of local control here is ironic given that Patrick, a statewide elected official, has inserted himself into the debate over a local policy on trans students in Fort Worth. But here’s what the plank states:Â
Facility Utilization-We support public school facilities such as restrooms, locker rooms and showers being reserved for the use of students based on biological birth gender.Â
This plank was approved by 93 percent of delegates.Â
In addition to the anti-trans planks, the party added several that are specifically anti-gay or generally anti-LGBT, including this one calling for same-sex marriage to be overturned:Â
Overturning Obergefell v. Hodges- We believe this decision, overturning the Texas law prohibiting same sex marriage in Texas, has no basis in the Constitution and should be reversed, returning jurisdiction over the definition of marriage to the states. The Governor and other elected officials of the state of Texas should assert our Tenth Amendment right and reject the Supreme Court ruling.Â
The party also added a plethora of new anti-LGBT “religious freedom” language to the platform:Â
Protection for Religious Institutions- We believe religious institutions have the freedom to recognize and perform only those marriages that are consistent with their doctrine. …Â
Safeguarding Religious Liberties- We affirm that the public acknowledgement of God is undeniable in our history and is vital to our freedom, prosperity, and strength. We pledge our influence toward a return to the original intent of the 1st Amendment and toward dispelling the myth of separation of church and state. Tax deductions for charitable contributions are not 1521 government subsidies and give no authority for government oversight. Americans should be free to express their religious beliefs, including prayer in public places. We urge the legislature to increase the ability of faith based institutions and other organizations to assist the needy and to reduce regulation of such organizations. We also support vigorously protecting the rights of commercial establishments to refuse to provide any service or product that would infringe upon freedom of conscience of religious expression of the commercial establishments as stated in the 1st Amendment. …Â
Adoption- We support reducing the time, bureaucracy, and cost of adoption. We oppose mandates that deny mothers a choice in selecting a traditional home for their children. We oppose mandatory open adoption. We oppose any government agency from forcing faith-based adoption or foster care organizations to place children with same-sex couples.Â
The Texas GOP is somehow getting credit in the media for softening language in its infamous pro-“reparative therapy” plank. But a review of the entire document shows this credit is hardly deserved. In fact, the Texas GOP’s platform appears to be more anti-LGBT than ever — and that’s saying something.Â
You can read the full platform here.Â
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