On Valentine’s Day, LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce representatives from the four major metro areas across Texas gathered in Austin for the first-ever Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Advocacy Day.
What should have been a positive day for attendees turned into a signal of the pathetic politics that have taken over the Texas Republican Party and a litmus test for how ugly this session will turn.
A resolution was put forth by Democratic lawmakers, HR 155, to applaud attendees and offer a symbolic token of appreciation. Offering a resolution is usually a benign and inconsequential ceremonial process. It is not a bill and will not become law, therefore, it usually passes without much fuss or consideration.
Of course, right-wing Republican lawmakers seized on this opportunity and vowed to fight the resolution. Ultimately, the resolution was pulled from consideration and attendees had to witness how extreme the politics of Texas Republicans have become first hand, even for business owners.
Republicans in Texas run miles on the premise of the general public not knowing enough about drag queens or what healthcare actually looks like for Texas kids, but they do understand discrimination and the value of a Texas that is open for business to everyone.
In Dade Phelan’s house, extremists like Dan Patrick and Bryan Slaton call the shots. And that’s all of Texas business’s business.
