Houston Narrows Scope Of Preacher Subpoenas

Responding to public outcry, the city of Houston has narrowed the scope of subpoenas sent to several local pastors, asking for copies of their recent sermons. Lawyers working pro bono on behalf of the city targeted pastors who had spoken out to their congregations against an equal rights ordinance approved by Houston’s City Council. The ordinance bans racial and sexual orientation discrimination by the city in employment, contracting, housing and public accommodations. A national conservative legal group has filed a motion objecting to the records request on First Amendment grounds. Texas’ Attorney General Greg Abbott, who is running for governor of the state, wrote to Houston’s city attorney that “whether you intend it to be or not, your action is a direct assault on the religious liberty guaranteed by the First Amendment.” In response, the city removed the term “sermon.”