Texas Senate OKs religious refusal bill panned by businesses

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Senate has preliminarily approved a bill allowing social workers, attorneys and others with state-issued licenses to deny services because of religious beliefs — despite stiff opposition from top businesses.
The proposal by Republican state Sen. Charles Perry of Lubbock protects professionals citing “sincerely held religious beliefs” should they face potential state sanctions for refusing services to some people.
It is among several proposal