To:

Interested Parties
From:
Greg Strimple and Robert Jones, G Squared Public Strategies


Re:

Texas Religious Freedom and Discrimination Research Findings
Date:
5/6/2015

In April 2015, G Squared Public Strategies fielded a statewide survey of 800 likely voters in Texas. The
research was conducted April 6-10, 2015, and yielded a margin of error of 3.46% at the 95% confidence
level. Below are some key findings from that research.

Key Findings

A strong majority of voters believe that discrimination against the LGBT community is a problem.
Nearly 63% of voters would also support a law protecting these individuals from discrimination. A
majority of Republicans are concerned about discrimination and support efforts to protect LGBT
individuals from employment discrimination.

More than three-quarters of respondents said religion is extremely or very important to them
personally. Despite their personal commitment to religion, when asked about religious exemption
laws generally, more than 52% of voters opposed such laws.

702 W. Idaho Street, Ste. 700 | Boise, ID 83702 | (208) 342-1545

Voters overwhelmingly believe that religious freedom is protected by the U.S. Constitution, and
that protecting religious freedom has fostered healthy diversity in American culture.

While they value religious freedom, 79% of voters believe that this freedom does not give
individuals license to hurt others.










Additionally, a strong majority of voters reject the notion that gay marriage threatens religious
freedom.

702 W. Idaho Street, Ste. 700 | Boise, ID 83702 | (208) 342-1545

Respondents are largely unaware of the existing Texas RFRA. When they are informed about the
existing RFRA in Texas, nearly two-thirds are opposed to amending the state constitution to
expand religious exemptions.

Sixty percent of voters would oppose amending the Texas Constitution to expand the Texas RFRA
law if it appeared on their ballot, including 52% of Republicans, 71% of Democrats, and 65% of
Independents.

Demographics

Survey respondents consisted of Texas likely voters, 47.3% males and 52.8% females. 36.3% of
respondents were age 45 or younger, 33.6% age 46-61, and 29.0% were age 62 or older. Respondents
identified as 70.4% White/Caucasian, 8.0% African American, and 16.4% Hispanic or Latino. 47.5% of
respondents were affiliated with the Republican Party, 28.1% Democrat, and 17.4% Independent. 51.4%
of respondents identified as conservative, 26.9% moderate, and 17.0% liberal.

The poll was conducted for Texas Wins, a statewide coalition of Texans, including people of faith,
business leaders, veterans and first responders, athletes and sports professionals, students, educators
and school administrators and everyday Texans, who are committed to demonstrating true Texas values
and protecting all Texans from discrimination.
702 W. Idaho Street, Ste. 700 | Boise, ID 83702 | (208) 342-1545




G2 Public Strategies is a bipartisan partnership of GS Strategy Group (GSSG) and Gallatin Public Affairs.
GSSG has provided strategic guidance for Fortune 10 companies and John McCain for President, in
addition to conducting public opinion research experience across the nation for senate, gubernatorial,
ballot and issue advocacy campaigns.

702 W. Idaho Street, Ste. 700 | Boise, ID 83702 | (208) 342-1545