Sign up for The Brief, a daily newsletter from The Texas Tribune that keeps readers updated on the most important news in Texas.
Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Housing and Community Development, marking his second legal action in recent weeks aimed at a state agency for practices he claims discriminate against religious organizations.
According to Paxton, organizations that receive state funding for assisting the homeless or supporting housing initiatives through the department are prohibited from incorporating religious activities into their programs. He contends that this regulation is unconstitutional and compels religious groups to modify or forgo fundamental aspects of their beliefs.
“State agencies have no authority to compel Christians and other faith-based organizations to suppress their beliefs to serve their communities,” Paxton stated in a press release. “It is essential to uphold constitutionally protected religious freedom in Texas and nationwide. The provisions set forth by the TDHCA within specific programs, which discourage financial support for churches and religious entities, must be invalidated.”
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Development has yet to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.
The majority of affordable housing initiatives in Texas are facilitated through this department, which also allocates both state and federal funds to address homelessness.
Among the programs administered by the agency are the Emergency Solutions Grants Program, the Homeless Housing and Services Program, the Ending Homelessness Fund, the HOME American Rescue Plan, and the Housing Stability Services Program.
Paxton’s lawsuit specifically references these programs, along with the Bootstrap Loan Program, highlighting that the regulations stipulate that funds cannot be utilized for sectarian or overtly religious activities, including worship, religious education, or proselytizing.
The lawsuit does not cite any specific instances where religious organizations were denied access to these funds, nor does it identify any individuals adversely affected by this rule.
Last week, Paxton also filed a lawsuit against the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, aiming to terminate three university work-study programs that he claims discriminatorily exclude religious students.
As he campaigns to unseat U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Paxton has vowed to eliminate any Texas regulations that “impede religious freedom” or affect funding opportunities based on religious beliefs.
Learn more about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our collaboration with The Trust Project to enhance transparency in journalism.
You have read articles this month, and you have unlimited free articles remaining as we do not have a paywall.
Texans deserve accurate information. Join us in our efforts to report it.
Independent journalism in Texas relies on your support. The Texas Tribune is committed to delivering fact-based news for Texans, by Texans. Our community of members, comprised of readers who contribute, makes our work possible. Help us provide you and countless others with comprehensive news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?
Support Independent Texas News | Become a member. Join today.
Independent journalism in Texas requires your support. The Texas Tribune is dedicated to offering fact-based reporting for Texans, by Texans. Our community of donors helps sustain our work. Assist us in delivering in-depth news and information to you and millions of others. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?
Support Independent Texas News | Become a member. Join today.
Tagged: Austin, John Cornyn, Ken Paxton
Jess Huff is an East Texas Reporter who joined the Tribune in 2023, based in Lufkin, Texas. Originally from Utah, she has also lived in Arizona and the Netherlands. Her latest journey took her to East Texas, where she has worked on various projects.
