Texas governor signs 'Sermon Protection Act' at Woodlands church

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott attended the Sunday service at Grace Woodlands church for the ceremonial signing of the "Sermon Protection Act," which protects pastors from being prosecuted for their statements from the pulpit.

The legislation, also known as SB24, was created in response to former Houston Mayor Annise Parker's decision to subpoena the sermons of five Houston pastors in 2014 when they opposed an ordinance that would have allowed people to use restrooms or locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity.

"When subpoenas were served on your own pastor and you had to fight back against your own government here in Houston, Texas for your freedom: your freedom of religion," said Abbott. "Texas law now will be your strength, your sword and your shield," he continued.

The bill, authored by state Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Sugar Land), was officially signed by the governor on Friday, putting it immediately into law.

The measure prevents the government from requesting audio, video or written sermons from religious leaders in Texas in legal proceedings that involve governmental units. It also prevents the government from compelling religious leaders to testify regarding their sermons.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who was also present at the signing ceremony on Sunday, said that the legislation "will give pastors critical protection from forced testimony and shield sermons from government subpoena power."

KHOU reported that protesters gathered along the church's driveway to raise their concern about the ceremonial signing of the bill.

"What we witnessed today was Dan Patrick and Greg Abbott giving active sermons before the signing of a bill," said Joshua Douglas. "We had strong conflict with the choice of this venue. We felt it was infringing on the separation between church and state," he added.

Grace Woodlands Pastor Steve Riggle was one of the five pastors who received a subpoena for the sermons, according to Chron.

Riggle said that the subpoena put him and the other pastors in a difficult situation because they liked the idea of the mayor reading the sermons, but they did not want to hand them over because it was requested in a subpoena form. The mayor eventually withdrew the subpoenas due to the pastors' refusal and the backlash from opponents.

The legal battle against the ordinance continued in court, and it was ultimately placed on the ballot and denied by Houston residents.