Gay son of Texas Republican speaks out against father’s anti-LGBT bill
By Ryan Love
The openly gay son of a Texas Republican has spoken out about his father’s attempt to introduce a bill which would effect LGBT workers rights within the state.
Rick Miller has filed HB 1556, known as the Intrastate Commerce Improvement Act, which would bar cities in the state from adopting or enforcing non-discrimination ordinances.
Similar to a bill passed in Arkansas last month, HB 1556 would undo protections for the LGBT community in cities including Austin, Dallas and Houston.
“A county, municipality, or other political subdivision may not adopt or enforce a local law that creates a protected classification or prohibits discrimination on a basis not contained in the laws of this state,” the bill reads.
Tennessee is currently the only other state where such a law is in effect.
However, it has since been revealed that State Representative Miller’s openly gay son Beau has spoken openly about his attempts to prevent the law change.
In an Facebook post, he wrote: “As many of you know by now, my dad has authored and submitted a bill in the Texas House of Representatives that, if signed into law, would prevent municipalities in Texas from maintaining sexual orientation anti-discrimination laws.
“While I love my dad very much, I am extremely disappointed by his actions and will do everything I can to prevent that bill, or any such legislation, from becoming law.”
He continued: “I have been in fairly intense talks with my dad and his office about this issue. Although I am hopeful that I can persuade him to agree to not pursue this bill’s advancement, that outcome is far from certain.
“If anyone would like to help in this effort, I suggest writing to him about yours or a friend’s experience with discrimination and how it felt.
“To that end, and with full recognition of the deep emotions at play, please do not match hate with hate, or engage in name calling or insults. It does not help. Those type of communications tend to do more harm than good.”
He ended his post by thanks his “amazing partner and friends” for their support, adding that “this would be so much tougher without you”.
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