Contact: DeAnne Cuellar, deanne.cuellar@equalitytexas.org, (512) 474-5475 ext.06

TEXAS – On Thursday, Feb. 9, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is set to take his pitch for a mean-spirited and deeply divisive transgender discrimination bill, SB 6, to a “policy briefing” for conservative pastors in Austin. But on the same day an interfaith group of religious leaders from across Texas will gather at Austin’s First United Methodist Church (next to the Texas Capitol) to speak out against any proposed anti-LGBTQ discrimination bills in the Texas Legislature this year. They will deliver a clear message that such legislation, including SB 6, is immoral and contrary to the values of love, respect and inclusion shared by people of all faiths. The press conference will also mark the relaunch of Texas Believes (TexasBelieves.org), a broad coalition of faith leaders who support equality for all Texans, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Texans.

The press conference will also be streamed on Facebook Live at: facebook.com/texasfreedomnetwork

WHAT: Press conference featuring faith leaders from across Texas opposed to anti-LGBTQ discrimination bills in the Texas Legislature

WHEN: 1:30 P.M. (Central time), Thursday, February 9, 2017

WHERE: First United Methodist Church’s Murchison Chapel, 1201 Lavaca, Austin, next to the Texas Capitol grounds

WHO:

Rev. Dr. Neil G. Cazares-Thomas, Cathedral of Hope in Dallas

Rev. Valda Jean Combs, Brentwood Baptist Church in Houston

Rev. Taylor Fuerst, First United Methodist Church in Austin

Rabbi Mara Nathan, Temple Beth-El in San Antonio

Rev. David Wynn, Agape MCC in Fort Worth

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Texas Believes is a coalition of faith leaders who support full equality for all Texans, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Texans.