Wallace also said the ordinance is not a religious issue but a human rights issue, and that Harvey is trying to trick people. When Bush was Texas' governor, he indicated he opposed hate crimes legislation. In January, his successor, Rick Perry, told The Houston Chronicle that he would oppose any hate crimes bill that offered specific protections to homosexuals. Now Perry has apparently followed through by thwarting a vote to allow debate in the Texas Senate. The Democratic senate sponsor was unable to get a two-thirds majority to begin that debate, and the Texas House also postponed a scheduled debate on a similar hate crimes measure.
Supporters hope they can eventually get a bill passed.
When asked if he would veto a bill if it ever reached his desk, Perry said he would deal with such legislation at the time. But in his January interview, Perry said he would prefer to focus on a bill that would enhance punishment, rather than get caught up in a creation of classes that could cause more division among Texas citizens. AgapePress all rights reserved.