Let’s Talk About Texas

Alison, Liz, and Rebecca take a deep dive into Texas for a case study in theocratic government. They discuss recent Christian nationalist legislation advancing in the state, the takeover of state institutions by conservative Christian legal groups, and the many state/church battles their organizations have fought in Texas.    Background Texas Monthly - “How a Right-wing Law Firm Shaped the Judge Who Will Rule on the Abortion Pill” The Washington Post - “Texas legislature passes bill allowing chaplains in public schools” Religion News Service - “More than 100 chaplains urge Texans not to hire school chaplains” FFRF, Americans United, and the ACLU/ACLU of Texas letter to Texas school districts FFRF - “Thou shalt honor our secular public schools, Texas”  Texas Tribune - “Key supporter of Texas school chaplain bill has pushed for evangelism in schools”   Resources FFRF Action Alert sign-up FFRF report a violation American Atheists report a violation American Atheists Action Alerts sign-up  School Chaplain Law Advocacy Toolkit Interfaith Alliance “Say No to Chaplains in Public Schools” campaign page   Bills Discussed HB 4949/SB 1396 and SB 19: Would allow a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text in public schools SB 17: Would have created the right for a public school employee to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty SB 1515: Would require the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools SB 763: Would allow school districts to employ chaplains to perform the duties of school counselors Cases American Atheist’s Metroplex Atheists lawsuit FFRF’s Texas Bill of Rights display lawsuit FFRF’s praying judge lawsuit Stone v. Graham (1980) Check us out on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.