Mayor Parker: Houston Will Drop Subpoenas for Sermons
Houston mayor Annise Parker announced Wednesday that the city will withdraw subpoenas it sent to five pastors who opposed a rule banning discrimination against gays and lesbians.
The subpoenas drew fire from conservative groups across the country, which called them an attack on religious liberty and freedom of speech. The controversy emerged during a legal battle over the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, known as HERO, which expanded the city's ban on discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
At a press conference, Parker said withdrawing the subpoenas was in the city’s best interest.
“Protecting the HERO from ...
Comments (20)
Steve Munday via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Better read the small print first.
Mosh Miller via Texas Tribune on Facebook
But they should audit them and make sure they are not practicing politics in the pulpit. You know, so they don't void that non-taxable status they love so much.
Yan Peter via Texas Tribune on Facebook
If we had real religious freedom, churches would pay taxes just like everybody else
Lynn Proctor via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Tax 'em and they can spew all the hate they want.
Rick Ward via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The whole thing was just an over sight
Adam Russell
When I first heard about the subpoenas I was guffawed.
But then I was curious if they were looking for pulpit preaching or slanderous statements against the mayor or anyone involved with the campaign. I think both are legitimate requests.
But...BUT...I was initially shocked and viewed it as the first salvo in a war to root out "hate speech," which is censorship and contrary to the most important right we have in this nation that is run amok with political correctness.
In any event, Top 10 worst PR move ever.
Tina Pustizzi Meschko via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Good move.
Karen Spivey-Cummings via Texas Tribune on Facebook
This has nothing to do with freedom of speech…….
Sam Rock
It is funny when "reporters" leave out key facts and they think they are being cute and tricky by do so.
Like this key fact:
Citizens of Houston submitted a petition with 50,000 signatures on it and it only needed 17,000 and the city rejected it.
But this "reporter" does not believe that is relevant fact.
Curious........how bias they are.
No wonder polls say that people trust use car salesmen over reporters.
Sam Rock via Texas Tribune on Facebook
A> City of Houston has no role in enforcing Federal tax laws.
Sam Rock via Texas Tribune on Facebook
b> The Federal tax code does not bar non-profits or churches from being involved in politics. They just can't use the pulpit to support specific candidates. They can support or not support policies.
Sam Rock via Texas Tribune on Facebook
c> It is doubtful that part of the Federal tax code is Constitutional any way for it tramples free speech and freedom of religion rights.
Sean Andrews via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Really, back to this?
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/houston.asp
Dylan Osborne via Texas Tribune on Facebook
This narrative was much ado about nothing, and was a political ploy by the Right to score cheap political points. Fox News' "War on Christmas" started early this year.
Charlene Bigham via Texas Tribune on Facebook
These pastors whine about their religious freedom while they try to deny freedom to others. Such hypocrisy.
Diane Treider via Texas Tribune on Facebook
God I hate the pandering to such ignorance and stupidity of the small minded bigots. This was NEVER a first amendment issue. This was "if you want to sue, expect discovery" issue.
Mimi Miller via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Too bad should have gotten those sermons. Are you a church or a lobbyist?
Bridgitt Dickey via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Cornyn is an asshole.
Ben Rush via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I wonder if Cornyn and Fox News would be trumpeting the First Amendment if it were a Mosque the city was investigating.
Alejandro Sescosse via Texas Tribune on Facebook
No Legal reasoning given to justify the drop of subpoenas. The misinterpreting of the 1st Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech and freedom of religion for all in the most sectarian and divisive way possible.