Lawmaker Drops Religious Freedom Proposal

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AUSTIN (AP) - A legislator has scrapped his proposal preventing the government from burdening a person's free exercise of religion after opposition from Texas businesses.

GOP Rep. Jason Villalba of Dallas said Wednesday he won't seek a hearing for his proposed Texas constitutional amendment.

In February, the Texas Association of Business announced it opposed Villalba's proposal and a similar one from Republican Sen. Donna Campbell of New Braunfels. Two other business groups joined the opposition last week.

The Texas Association of Business said the proposals would let people "claim their religious beliefs give them the right to ignore laws and regulations."

The group represents 55,000 businesses statewide.

Villalba said it isn't typically involved in cultural issues, but if so, he "must listen."

Campbell spokesman Jon Oliver said she still supports her bill.

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