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| | + | '''Gregory Wayne "Greg" Abbott''' (born November 13, 1957<ref name="Directory"/>) is the increasingly moderate [[Republican Party|Republican]] [[governor]] of [[Texas]], a position which he has held since January 2015. Previously, he was an associate justice of the Texas Supreme Court from 1995 to 2001 and the [[attorney general]] of his state from 2002 to 2015. Gov. Abbott governs in a petty way for the [[liberal agenda]] of the [[Texas oligarchy]], which includes vindictively vetoing good bills based on which Republican sponsored it<ref>https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/14/greg-abbott-veto-threat-property-taxes/</ref> and deceptively pushing for the [[Paxton Impeachment]] (which later failed), without even giving voters proper notice. On June 16, 2023, Abbott continued his vindictive rampage of vetoing bills simply because they were sponsored by [[conservative]] senators opposed to him on the [[Texas oligarchy|oligarchs]]' demand for property tax cuts to benefit them.<ref>https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/15/greg-abbott-dan-patrick-veto-property-tax/</ref> |
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| − | '''Gregory Wayne "Greg" Abbott''' (born November 13, 1957<ref name="Directory"/>) is the increasingly moderate [[Republican Party|Republican]] [[governor]] of [[Texas]], a position which he has held since January 2015. Previously, he was an associate justice of the Texas Supreme Court from 1995 to 2001 and the [[attorney general]] of his state from 2002 to 2015. Multiple [[conservative]]s are challenging him in his primary for reelection on March 1, 2022.
| + | Abbott is a puppet for [[dark money]], as illustrated by his surprise trip to [[Israel]] during the last week of a contentious special legislative session that he called, which must have been paid for in connection with undisclosed actual or potential donors: "Abbott traveled to the [[Middle East]]ern country as his priority legislation over school vouchers was stalling and with less than a week before the special legislation session he called is set to conclude."<ref>https://www.texastribune.org/2023/11/02/greg-abbott-travels-israel-legislature/</ref> |
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| − | Formerly conservative, Abbott is largely under the influence of billionaire, corporate lobbyist donors to his campaign, in a state that has no campaign contribution limits. The [[Koch brothers]] network, to whom Abbott has made presentations and from whom he has received large contributions, induced Abbott to push as a top priority the [[Convention of States]] resolution in 2017 and to shy away from meaningful socially conservative legislation during his tenure. In 2019 the Texas legislature did not enact any significant conservative bills, and instead, Gov. Abbott pushed unsuccessfully for an increase in the sales tax and advocated for banning businesses from asking for the criminal histories of potential employees.<ref>Horowitz, Daniel (August 20, 2019). [https://www.conservativereview.com/news/needs-leftists-gop-texas-gov-greg-abbott-endorses-radical-ban-box-pro-criminal-mandate-employers/ Who needs leftists? GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott endorses radical “ban the box” pro-criminal mandate on employers]. ''Conservative Review''. Retrieved August 20, 2019.</ref> | + | Formerly [[conservative]], Abbott is largely under the influence of billionaire, corporate lobbyist donors to his campaign, in a state that has no campaign contribution limits. The [[Koch brothers]] network, to whom Abbott has made presentations and from whom he has received large contributions, induced Abbott to push as one of four "emergency items" for the biennial legislative session the [[Convention of States]] resolution in 2017<ref>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor_abbott_delivers_state_of_the_state_address</ref> and to shy away from meaningful socially conservative legislation during his tenure. That resolution passed only with a compromise to include an 8-year sunset provision, but in 2023 Abbott was apparently quietly supporting repeal of that sunset, again to appease [[dark money|dark-money]] [[globalist]]s. In 2019 and again in 2021, the Texas legislature did not enact any significant conservative bills, and instead in 2019 Governor Abbott pushed unsuccessfully for an increase in the sales tax and advocated for banning businesses from asking for the criminal histories of potential employees.<ref>Horowitz, Daniel (August 20, 2019). [https://www.conservativereview.com/news/needs-leftists-gop-texas-gov-greg-abbott-endorses-radical-ban-box-pro-criminal-mandate-employers/ Who needs leftists? GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott endorses radical “ban the box” pro-criminal mandate on employers]. ''Conservative Review''. Retrieved August 20, 2019.</ref> '''''Meanwhile, Abbott does nothing meaningful to stop a flood of [[illegal alien]]s from pouring into the [[U.S.]] across the [[Texas]]-[[Mexico]] border''''', and was silent about the sham ambush [[impeachment and removal|impeachment]] of conservative [[Ken Paxton]] on May 27, 2023. |
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| − | Abbott is running for reelection in 2022. | + | Abbott says that he's open to legalizing [[casino]]s in [[Texas]], while accepting a $1 million campaign contribution for reelection in 2022 from [[Las Vegas]] billionaire casino owner Miriam Adelson (wife of the late Sheldon Adelson).<ref>https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/08/miriam-adelson-dallas-mavericks-legalize-casinos/</ref> |
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| − | ==Early life== | + | Abbott won a third term by prevailing in the Republican primary election held on March 1, 2022. With 1,270,401 votes (66.4 percent), Abbott turned back six opponents.<ref>Abbott ran 310,463 votes ahead of O'Rourke in their respective primaries. The total Republican gubernatorial turnout was 1,937,543 votes compared to the Democrats' 1,057,637, a difference of 879,906 votes in favor of the GOP. O'Rourke, meanwhile, polled 959,938 votes (91 percent) in his primary contest.</ref> The runners-up were two strong conservatives, former [[Florida]] [[U.S. Representative]] and former Texas state Republican chairman [[Allen West]], with 12.3 percent, and the well-financed former state Senator [[Don Huffines]] of [[Dallas]], who finished third with 12 percent of the primary ballots cast. In the general election on November 8, Abbott will face off against a determined bid by the Democrat former U.S. Representative [[Beto O'Rourke]] of [[El Paso]], who ran a strong but losing race in 2018 against Republican U.S. Senator [[Ted Cruz]]. Though he uses the [[Spanish]] nickname "Beto," O'Rourke is of [[Ireland|Irish]] descent. |
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| | + | ==Background== |
| | Abbott was born in [[Wichita Falls]], Texas, on November 13, 1957, and was reared in Longview, Texas<ref name="Directory"/> before graduating high school in [[Duncanville, Texas]]. He earned an undergraduate degree in finance from UT-Austin and a law degree at [[Vanderbilt University]].<ref name="Directory"/> | | Abbott was born in [[Wichita Falls]], Texas, on November 13, 1957, and was reared in Longview, Texas<ref name="Directory"/> before graduating high school in [[Duncanville, Texas]]. He earned an undergraduate degree in finance from UT-Austin and a law degree at [[Vanderbilt University]].<ref name="Directory"/> |
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| − | ==Early career==
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| | Abbott served from 1993 to 1995 as a trial judge on the 129th District Court.<ref name="Directory"/> In 1995, Texas governor [[George W. Bush]] appointed him to the Texas Supreme Court, and Abbott would remain a member of the court until he resigned in 2001.<ref name="Directory"/> | | Abbott served from 1993 to 1995 as a trial judge on the 129th District Court.<ref name="Directory"/> In 1995, Texas governor [[George W. Bush]] appointed him to the Texas Supreme Court, and Abbott would remain a member of the court until he resigned in 2001.<ref name="Directory"/> |
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| | In the Republican primary held on March 6, 2018, Abbott polled 1,392,294 votes (90.4 percent) over two minor intra-party rivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://enrpages.sos.state.tx.us/public/mar06_325_state.htm?x=0&y=1394&id=142|title=Election Returns|date=March 6, 2018|publisher=Texas Secretary of State|accessdate=March 7, 2018}}</ref> | | In the Republican primary held on March 6, 2018, Abbott polled 1,392,294 votes (90.4 percent) over two minor intra-party rivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://enrpages.sos.state.tx.us/public/mar06_325_state.htm?x=0&y=1394&id=142|title=Election Returns|date=March 6, 2018|publisher=Texas Secretary of State|accessdate=March 7, 2018}}</ref> |
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| − | In the November 6 general election, Abbott will face one of two Democrats, the [[liberal]] [[Lupe Valdez]], the former sheriff of Dallas County and an open lesbian, and Andrew White, son of the late former Governor [[Mark White]]. Valdez led White in the primary, 43 to 27. Abbott outpolled Valdez by nearly 956,000 votes in their respective party primaries. | + | In the November 6 general election, Abbott defeated the [[liberal]] [[Lupe Valdez]], the former sheriff of Dallas County and an open lesbian, Abbott outpolled Valdez by nearly 956,000 votes in their respective party primaries. |
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| − | ===Tenure=== | + | ===Gubernatorial tenure=== |
| − | Abbott took office on January 20, 2015.<ref name="Echoes">Fernandez, Manny (January 20, 2015). [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/us/politics/new-texas-governor-greg-abbott-expected-to-continue-on-perrys-path.html Texas’ New Governor Echoes the Plans of Perry]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref> Abbott called a special session in 2017, ordering the legislature to focus on conservative priorities.<ref>Price, Bob (June 6, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/06/texas-governor-calls-legislative-special-session-bathroom-bill-others/ Texas Governor Calls for Legislative Special Session for ‘Bathroom Bill’, Others]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref> Despite Abbott's conservative views, some conservative commentators voiced their concerns that Texas bureaucrats were increasing Texas regulations and making it more like California.<ref>[https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/28/lennon-texas-bureaucrats-becoming-regulation-friendly-obama/ LENNON: Texas Bureaucrats Are Becoming More Regulation-friendly Than Obama]. ''Breitbart News''. June 28, 2017. Retrieved June 29, 2017.</ref> However, the Trump Administration nominated several conservative judges who once were employees of Abbott,<ref>Platoff, Emma (April 3, 2018). [https://www.texastribune.org/2018/04/03/greg-abbott-andrew-oldham-fifth-circuit-judicial-appointees/ "A friendly vote on the court": How Greg Abbott's former employees could help Texas from the federal bench]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved May 17, 2018.</ref> and Abbott appointed several conservatives to the courts himself.<ref>Vertuno, Jim (March 7, 2019). [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/texas/article/Texas-governor-fills-courts-with-GOP-judges-13670767.php Texas governor fills courts with GOP judges voters rejected]. ''Houston Chronicle'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved March 8, 2019.</ref> | + | Abbott took office as governor on January 20, 2015.<ref name="Echoes">Fernandez, Manny (January 20, 2015). [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/us/politics/new-texas-governor-greg-abbott-expected-to-continue-on-perrys-path.html Texas’ New Governor Echoes the Plans of Perry]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref> Abbott called a special session in 2017, ordering the legislature to focus on conservative priorities.<ref>Price, Bob (June 6, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/06/texas-governor-calls-legislative-special-session-bathroom-bill-others/ Texas Governor Calls for Legislative Special Session for ‘Bathroom Bill’, Others]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref> Despite Abbott's conservative views, some conservative commentators voiced their concerns that Texas bureaucrats were increasing Texas regulations and making it more like California.<ref>[https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/28/lennon-texas-bureaucrats-becoming-regulation-friendly-obama/ LENNON: Texas Bureaucrats Are Becoming More Regulation-friendly Than Obama]. ''Breitbart News''. June 28, 2017. Retrieved June 29, 2017.</ref> However, the Trump Administration nominated several conservative judges who once were employees of Abbott,<ref>Platoff, Emma (April 3, 2018). [https://www.texastribune.org/2018/04/03/greg-abbott-andrew-oldham-fifth-circuit-judicial-appointees/ "A friendly vote on the court": How Greg Abbott's former employees could help Texas from the federal bench]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved May 17, 2018.</ref> and Abbott appointed several conservatives to the courts himself.<ref>Vertuno, Jim (March 7, 2019). [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/texas/article/Texas-governor-fills-courts-with-GOP-judges-13670767.php Texas governor fills courts with GOP judges voters rejected]. ''Houston Chronicle'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved March 8, 2019.</ref> |
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| | ====Abortion==== | | ====Abortion==== |
| − | In late November 2016, Texas, under Abbott, approved new rules that would require aborted babies to receive a burial or cremation, proper for a real human being, rather than be disposed of in a sanitary landfill.<ref>Stack, Liam (November 30, 2016). [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/30/us/texas-burial-aborted-fetuses.html Texas Will Require Burial of Aborted Fetuses]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved December 1, 2016.</ref><ref>Perchick, Michael (December 1, 2016). [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/12/01/new-texas-provisions-require-burial-cremation-aborted-fetuses/94721914/ New Texas provisions require burial or cremation of aborted fetuses]. ''USA Today'' (from ''KVUE-TV''). Retrieved December 1, 2016.</ref> Despite the common sense on protecting human life, a federal judge ruled against the law in late January 2017.<ref>Evans, Marissa (January 27, 2017). [https://www.texastribune.org/2017/01/27/fetal-remains-ruling/ Federal court blocks Texas fetal remains burial rule]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved February 2, 2017.</ref> | + | In late November 2016, Texas, under Abbott, approved new rules that would require aborted babies to receive a burial or cremation, proper for a real human being, rather than be disposed of in a sanitary landfill.<ref>Stack, Liam (November 30, 2016). [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/30/us/texas-burial-aborted-fetuses.html Texas Will Require Burial of Aborted Fetuses]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved December 1, 2016.</ref><ref>Perchick, Michael (December 1, 2016). [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/12/01/new-texas-provisions-require-burial-cremation-aborted-fetuses/94721914/ New Texas provisions require burial or cremation of aborted fetuses]. ''USA Today'' (from ''KVUE-TV''). Retrieved December 1, 2016.</ref> Despite the common sense on protecting human life, a federal judge ruled against the law in late January 2017.<ref>Marissa Evans (January 27, 2017). [https://www.texastribune.org/2017/01/27/fetal-remains-ruling/ Federal court blocks Texas fetal remains burial rule]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved February 2, 2017.</ref> |
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| − | In June 2017, Abbott signed a major [[pro-life]] bill into law banning dismemberment abortions, banning the sale of the body parts of aborted babies, and requiring the remains of the babies be either buried or cremated rather than disposed of in an inhumane way.<ref>Multiple references: | + | In June 2017, Abbott signed a major [[pro-life]] bill into law banning dismemberment abortions, banning the sale of the body parts of aborted babies, and requiring the remains of the babies be either buried or cremated rather than disposed of in an inhumane manner.<ref>Multiple references: |
| | *Price, Bob (June 7, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/07/texas-governor-inks-dismemberment-abortion-sale-body-parts-ban/ Texas Governor Inks Dismemberment Abortion, Sale of Body Parts Ban]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017. | | *Price, Bob (June 7, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/07/texas-governor-inks-dismemberment-abortion-sale-body-parts-ban/ Texas Governor Inks Dismemberment Abortion, Sale of Body Parts Ban]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017. |
| | *Mekelburg, Madlin (May 26, 2017). [https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/05/26/sweeping-anti-abortion-bill-heads-gov-greg-abbotts-desk Sweeping anti-abortion bill heads to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk]. ''Dallas News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017. | | *Mekelburg, Madlin (May 26, 2017). [https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/05/26/sweeping-anti-abortion-bill-heads-gov-greg-abbotts-desk Sweeping anti-abortion bill heads to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk]. ''Dallas News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017. |
| | *Gryboski, Michael (June 7, 2017). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-governor-signs-abortion-dismemberment-ban-law-186867/ Texas Governor Signs Abortion Dismemberment Ban Into Law]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved June 7, 2017. | | *Gryboski, Michael (June 7, 2017). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-governor-signs-abortion-dismemberment-ban-law-186867/ Texas Governor Signs Abortion Dismemberment Ban Into Law]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved June 7, 2017. |
| | *Chretien, Claire (June 7, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-texas-governor-signs-law-banning-dismemberment-abortion Texas bans mutilating babies in abortion, selling their body parts]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017. | | *Chretien, Claire (June 7, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-texas-governor-signs-law-banning-dismemberment-abortion Texas bans mutilating babies in abortion, selling their body parts]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017. |
| − | *Russell, Nicole (July 6, 2017). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/texas-law-recognizes-human-life-critics-rage/article/2627828 Texas law recognizes human life, critics rage]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved July 6, 2017.</ref> | + | *Russell, Nicole (July 6, 2017). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/texas-law-recognizes-human-life-critics-rage/article/2627828 Texas law recognizes human life, critics rage]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved July 6, 2017.</ref> |
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| | In June 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law banning local governments from funding abortion providers.<ref>Berry, Susan (June 11, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/06/11/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-bill-banning-funding-abortion-providers/ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bill Banning Funding of Abortion Providers]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 11, 2019.</ref><ref>Freiburger, Calvin (June 11, 2019). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/texas-bill-bans-cities-from-doing-business-with-planned-parenthood Texas prohibits cities from doing business with abortion providers like Planned Parenthood]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved June 11, 2019.</ref> Shortly afterward, he signed a bill protecting babies who survive abortions.<ref>Clabough, Raven (June 18, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/item/32632-texas-gov-signs-bill-to-protect-babies-born-alive-during-abortions Texas Governor Signs Bill to Protect Babies Born Alive During Abortions]. ''The New American''. Retrieved June 18, 2019.<br>See also: | | In June 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law banning local governments from funding abortion providers.<ref>Berry, Susan (June 11, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/06/11/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-bill-banning-funding-abortion-providers/ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bill Banning Funding of Abortion Providers]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 11, 2019.</ref><ref>Freiburger, Calvin (June 11, 2019). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/texas-bill-bans-cities-from-doing-business-with-planned-parenthood Texas prohibits cities from doing business with abortion providers like Planned Parenthood]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved June 11, 2019.</ref> Shortly afterward, he signed a bill protecting babies who survive abortions.<ref>Clabough, Raven (June 18, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/item/32632-texas-gov-signs-bill-to-protect-babies-born-alive-during-abortions Texas Governor Signs Bill to Protect Babies Born Alive During Abortions]. ''The New American''. Retrieved June 18, 2019.<br>See also: |
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| | *Ertelt, Steven (July 18, 2019). [https://www.lifenews.com/2019/07/18/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-bill-to-stop-infanticide-care-for-babies-born-alive-after-abortion/ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bill to Stop Infanticide, Care for Babies Born Alive After Abortion]. ''LifeNews''. Retrieved July 19, 2019.</ref> | | *Ertelt, Steven (July 18, 2019). [https://www.lifenews.com/2019/07/18/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-bill-to-stop-infanticide-care-for-babies-born-alive-after-abortion/ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bill to Stop Infanticide, Care for Babies Born Alive After Abortion]. ''LifeNews''. Retrieved July 19, 2019.</ref> |
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| − | Gov. Abbott failed to make the [[Heartbeat Bill]] a priority in 2019 and it did not pass in the Texas House of Representatives. Abbott's spokesman issued an ambiguous statement claiming that Abbott is [[pro-life]], yet not explaining why he allowed this bill to be blocked by Republicans.<ref>https://thetexan.news/texas-heartbeat-bill-on-life-support-stalled-in-the-house/</ref> | + | Gov. Abbott failed to make the [[Heartbeat Bill]] a priority in 2019 and it did not pass in the Texas House of Representatives. Abbott's spokesman issued an ambiguous statement claiming that Abbott is [[pro-life]], yet not explaining why he allowed this bill to be blocked by Republicans.<ref>https://thetexan.news/texas-heartbeat-bill-on-life-support-stalled-in-the-house/</ref> In 2021, the legislature did pass the Heartbeat Act, which Abbott signed into law. The measure is being challenged before the [[United States Supreme Court]], which has permitted implementation of the law pending judicial review. |
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| | ====Religious liberty==== | | ====Religious liberty==== |
| − | On June 11, 2015, Abbott signed an act into law that gives pastors that right to refuse to "marry" homosexual couples if it violates their conscience.<ref>Crampton, Liz (June 11, 2015). [https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/11/gov-abbott-signs-pastor-protection-act/ Abbott Signs "Pastor Protection Act" Into Law]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref> | + | On June 11, 2015, Abbott signed an act into law that gives pastors the right to refuse to "marry" homosexual couples if it violates their conscience.<ref>Crampton, Liz (June 11, 2015). [https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/11/gov-abbott-signs-pastor-protection-act/ Abbott Signs "Pastor Protection Act" Into Law]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref> |
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| | On May 21, 2017, Abbott signed Senate Bill 24 into law, preventing state or local governments from subpoenaing pastors' sermons.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas">{{cite web | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | title=Abbott Signs Bill Protecting Sermons from Subpoenas | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/21/abbott-signs-bill-protecting-sermons-subpoenas/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=''The Texas Tribune'' | accessdate=May 22, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Abbott Signs Bill Preventing Government From Subpoenaing Sermons | url=http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/05/21/abbott-signs-bill-preventing-government-subpoenaing-sermons/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=CBS DFW | accessdate=May 22, 2017}}</ref> This bill was inspired by an [[Homosexual Agenda|pro-homosexual]] "anti-discrimination" ordinance in [[Houston]], where five sermons were subpoenaed.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas"/> | | On May 21, 2017, Abbott signed Senate Bill 24 into law, preventing state or local governments from subpoenaing pastors' sermons.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas">{{cite web | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | title=Abbott Signs Bill Protecting Sermons from Subpoenas | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/21/abbott-signs-bill-protecting-sermons-subpoenas/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=''The Texas Tribune'' | accessdate=May 22, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Abbott Signs Bill Preventing Government From Subpoenaing Sermons | url=http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/05/21/abbott-signs-bill-preventing-government-subpoenaing-sermons/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=CBS DFW | accessdate=May 22, 2017}}</ref> This bill was inspired by an [[Homosexual Agenda|pro-homosexual]] "anti-discrimination" ordinance in [[Houston]], where five sermons were subpoenaed.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas"/> |
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| | ====Gun rights==== | | ====Gun rights==== |
| − | On June 13, 2015, Abbott signed the [[campus carry]] (SB 11) and the [[open carry]] (HB 910) bills into law.<ref name="OpenAndCampus">{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.kvue.com/story/news/state/2015/06/12/gov-abbott-open-carry-campus-carry/71160338/ |title=Gov. Abbott signs open carry, campus carry into law |website=Kvue.com |date=2015-06-13 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The campus carry law went into effect on August 1, 2015, and allows the licensed carrying of a concealed handgun on public college campuses, with private colleges being able to opt out.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open">{{cite web|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/13/abbott-signs-open-carry-bill/ |title=At Shooting Range, Abbott Signs "Open Carry" Bill |publisher=The Texas Tribune |date=2015-06-13 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The open carry bill went into effect on January 1, 2016, and allows the licensed carrying of handguns openly in all locations that allow concealed carry.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/01/us/-2016-01-01-texas-open-carry-gun-law.html|title=Texas Open Carry Gun Law|newspaper=''[[The New York Times]]''|accessdate=January 2, 2016}}</ref> Texas is the 45th state to have open carry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc13.com/news/texas-becomes-45th-state-to-pass-open-carry-law/1143146/ |title=Texas becomes 45th state to pass open carry law |website=Abc13.com |date=2015-06-08 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> Later, in May 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law massively reducing handgun carry licence fees.<ref>Price, Bob (May 28, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/28/texas-governor-signs-law-reducing-handgun-carry-license-fees/ Texas Governor Signs Law Reducing Handgun Carry License Fees]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref><ref>Samuels, Alex (May 26, 2017). [https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/26/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-measure-reduce-handgun-license-fee/ Texas governor jokes about shooting reporters after signing gun bill]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref> | + | On June 13, 2015, Abbott signed the campus carry (SB 11) and the [[open carry]] (HB 910) bills into law.<ref name="OpenAndCampus">{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.kvue.com/story/news/state/2015/06/12/gov-abbott-open-carry-campus-carry/71160338/ |title=Gov. Abbott signs open carry, campus carry into law |website=Kvue.com |date=2015-06-13 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The campus carry law went into effect on August 1, 2015, and allows the licensed carrying of a concealed handgun on public college campuses, with private colleges being able to opt out.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open">{{cite web|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/13/abbott-signs-open-carry-bill/ |title=At Shooting Range, Abbott Signs "Open Carry" Bill |publisher=The Texas Tribune |date=2015-06-13 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The open carry bill went into effect on January 1, 2016, and allows the licensed carrying of handguns openly in all locations that allow concealed carry.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/01/us/-2016-01-01-texas-open-carry-gun-law.html|title=Texas Open Carry Gun Law|newspaper=''[[The New York Times]]''|accessdate=January 2, 2016}}</ref> Texas is the 45th state to have open carry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc13.com/news/texas-becomes-45th-state-to-pass-open-carry-law/1143146/ |title=Texas becomes 45th state to pass open carry law |website=Abc13.com |date=2015-06-08 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> Later, in May 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law massively reducing handgun carry license fees.<ref>Price, Bob (May 28, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/28/texas-governor-signs-law-reducing-handgun-carry-license-fees/ Texas Governor Signs Law Reducing Handgun Carry License Fees]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref><ref>Samuels, Alex (May 26, 2017). [https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/26/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-measure-reduce-handgun-license-fee/ Texas governor jokes about shooting reporters after signing gun bill]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref> |
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| − | In 2018, Abbott caved to the gun control lobby by canceling shotgun giveaway for a contest after left-wing gun control activists criticized him for it.<ref>Folley, Aris (May 21, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/388646-texas-governor-cancels-plans-of-shotgun-giveaway-days-after-school Texas governor cancels shotgun giveaway days after school shooting]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 21, 2018.</ref> | + | In 2018, Abbott caved to the gun control lobby by canceling a shotgun giveaway for a contest after left-wing gun control activists criticized him for it.<ref>Folley, Aris (May 21, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/388646-texas-governor-cancels-plans-of-shotgun-giveaway-days-after-school Texas governor cancels shotgun giveaway days after school shooting]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 21, 2018.</ref> |
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| | On June 6, 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law removing the state cap on the number of armed teachers allowed in school districts.<ref>Hawkins, Awr (June 6, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/06/06/greg-abbott-signs-bill-allowing-more-armed-teachers-texas-schools/ Greg Abbott Signs Bill Allowing More Armed Teachers in Texas Schools]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2019.</ref><ref>Barton, Regina (June 6, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/texas-governor-signs-bill-allowing-more-armed-teachers Texas governor signs bill allowing more armed teachers]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 7, 2019.</ref> To the consternation of left-wingers, Abbott signed several other pro-gun bills in 2019.<ref>Multiple references: | | On June 6, 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law removing the state cap on the number of armed teachers allowed in school districts.<ref>Hawkins, Awr (June 6, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/06/06/greg-abbott-signs-bill-allowing-more-armed-teachers-texas-schools/ Greg Abbott Signs Bill Allowing More Armed Teachers in Texas Schools]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2019.</ref><ref>Barton, Regina (June 6, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/texas-governor-signs-bill-allowing-more-armed-teachers Texas governor signs bill allowing more armed teachers]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 7, 2019.</ref> To the consternation of left-wingers, Abbott signed several other pro-gun bills in 2019.<ref>Multiple references: |
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| | *Merchant, Nomaan (January 10, 2020). [https://apnews.com/7329dbc3dcbf32534689831455fa4246 Texas governor to reject new refugees, first under Trump]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved January 10, 2020. | | *Merchant, Nomaan (January 10, 2020). [https://apnews.com/7329dbc3dcbf32534689831455fa4246 Texas governor to reject new refugees, first under Trump]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved January 10, 2020. |
| | *Cuthbertson, Charlotte (January 12, 2020). [https://www.theepochtimes.com/texas-is-first-state-to-opt-out-of-accepting-refugees-in-2020_3201721.html Texas Is First State to Opt Out of Accepting Refugees in 2020]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved January 12, 2020.</ref> | | *Cuthbertson, Charlotte (January 12, 2020). [https://www.theepochtimes.com/texas-is-first-state-to-opt-out-of-accepting-refugees-in-2020_3201721.html Texas Is First State to Opt Out of Accepting Refugees in 2020]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved January 12, 2020.</ref> |
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| | + | Jan 24, 2024 report: Abbott, defiantly, continued laying razor wire around migrant-engulfed border city despite recent Supreme Court ruling.<ref>https://nypost.com/2024/01/24/news/texas-gov-greg-abbott-laying-razor-wire-despite-court-order/</ref> As he is genuinely concerned about security, declaring invasion at the border invokes [[constitutional]] 'right of self-defense'.<ref>https://dailycaller.com/2024/01/24/texas-greg-abbott-border-fence-supreme-court/</ref> |
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| | ====Israel==== | | ====Israel==== |
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| | On June 9, 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law expanding Texas's ban on [[female genital mutilation]].<ref>Hope, Merrill (June 14, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/14/texas-expands-ban-female-genital-mutilation/ Texas Expands Ban on Female Genital Mutilation]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 15, 2017.</ref> | | On June 9, 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law expanding Texas's ban on [[female genital mutilation]].<ref>Hope, Merrill (June 14, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/14/texas-expands-ban-female-genital-mutilation/ Texas Expands Ban on Female Genital Mutilation]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 15, 2017.</ref> |
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| − | Polls in April 2018 showed Abbott "highly vulnerable" to the challenge of either of his two Democratic opponents, Lupe Valdez (the lesbian Dallas County Sheriff, who failed to pay her property taxes until late June 2018) or Andrew White (son of former Governor Mark White). Valdez and White competed in the May 22 runoff election for their party's nomination to contest Abbott's re-election bid; Valdez won. However, Abbott handily won re-election. | + | Polls in April 2018 showed Abbott "highly vulnerable" to the challenge of either of his two Democratic opponents, Lupe Valdez (the lesbian Dallas County Sheriff, who failed to pay her property taxes until late June 2018) or Andrew White (son of former Governor Mark White). Valdez and White competed in the May 22 runoff election for their party's nomination to contest Abbott's re-election bid; Valdez won. However, Abbott handily won re-election. |
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| | On June 1, 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law banning red light cameras.<ref>Multiple references: | | On June 1, 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law banning red light cameras.<ref>Multiple references: |
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| | ==Personal life== | | ==Personal life== |
| − | Abbott is married to Cecilia Phalen Abbott, who is the first Latina first lady of Texas.<ref name="Echoes"/> He is the first Texas governor to use a wheelchair, having used it since being paralyzed when an oak tree fell on him in 1984.<ref name="Echoes"/> The Abbotts have an adopted daughter.<ref name="Directory"/> | + | Abbott is married to Cecilia Phalen Abbott, the first Latina first lady of Texas.<ref name="Echoes"/> He is the first Texas governor to use a wheelchair, having used it since being paralyzed in 1984, when an oak tree fell on him while he was jogging.<ref name="Echoes"/> The Abbotts have an adopted daughter.<ref name="Directory"/> |
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| | ==References== | | ==References== |
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| | [[Category:Koch Puppets]] | | [[Category:Koch Puppets]] |
| | [[Category:Catholic Politicians]] | | [[Category:Catholic Politicians]] |
| − | [[Category:Anti-Free Speech]]
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| | [[Category:Republican Establishment]] | | [[Category:Republican Establishment]] |
| | + | [[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]] |