Paxton said the agency’s policies discriminate against faith-based organizations “because they are religious.”
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), seeking to block rules he says prevent religious groups from receiving public funding.
Paxton said the agency’s policies discriminate against faith-based organizations “because they are religious.”
The lawsuit challenges regulations that prevent religious groups from getting state and federal funding for homeless and housing programs, unless they agree not to engage in religious activities within those programs.
Paxton argues the restrictions violate constitutional protections for religious liberty.
“State agencies have no authority to force Christians and other religious organizations to censor their beliefs just to serve their communities,” Paxton said. “Constitutionally protected religious liberty must be upheld in Texas and across the country. These TDHCA’s provisions within certain programs, which deter funding from going towards churches and religious organizations, must be struck down.”