Governor signs so-called “Save Chick-fil-A” bill into law in public ceremony

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – Saying discrimination is not tolerated in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott signed the so-called “Save Chick-fil-A bill” into law in a public ceremony.

The bill prohibits local governments from taking “adverse action” against individuals or businesses based on their affiliation or support of a religious organization. It was a legislative response to the San Antonio City Council’s decision to exclude Chick-fil-A from the airport concessions contract because of the company’s donations to Christian organizations that oppose same-sex marriage.

“With this decision, the City Council reaffirmed the work our city has done to become a champion of equality and inclusion,” Treviño said in a prepared statement before the vote was taken in March. “San Antonio is a city full of compassion, and we don’t have room in our public facilities for a business with a legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior.”

The governor had a Chick-fil-A box, cups and a toy cow on his desk during the signing ceremony Thursday.

“The “Save Chick-fil-A” legislation that I’m about to sign is a victory for religious freedom in Texas,” said Abbott.

He was flanked by Texas lawmakers who sponsored the bill, each holding a Chick-fil-A cup.

“No business should be discriminated against simply because its owners gave to a church or to the Salvation Army or to any other organization,” said Abbott.

Critics say the new law gives a green light to anti-LGBTQ behavior. The measure will go into effect September 1.