Texas governor holds ceremonial signing of ‘Save Chick-fil-A’ bill

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) held a made-for-TV ceremony Friday touting his signing of the so-called Save Chick-fil-A law. 

{mosads}Abbott surrounded himself with associates and Chick-fil-A menu items and vowed to protect religious liberty in response to criticism citing the fast food chain’s owner’s support for anti-gay groups and opposition to gay marriage.

The law was sparked in response to the San Antonio City Council to block a Chick-fil-A location from opening in the local airport.

“Discrimination is not tolerated in Texas. No business should be discriminated against simply because its owners pay to a church or the Salvation Army or any other religious organization,” Abbott said at the ceremonial signing. “No business should lose a government contract because of their religious beliefs. The ‘Save Chick-fil-A’ legislation that I’m about to sign is a victory for religious liberty in Texas.” 

Today I signed the ⁦@ChickfilA⁩ law in Texas.

And, had a great lunch.

No business should be discriminated against simply because its owners donate to a church, the Salvation Army, or other religious organization.

Texas protects religious liberty. pic.twitter.com/1QwSTuoWu0

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 19, 2019

Abbott officially signed the bill into law in June. It will take effect in September. 

Conservatives have rallied around Chick-fil-A since criticism began, with some citing the backlash as evidence that liberals seek to infringe on the rights of religious organizations.