During a recent Senate State Affairs Committee hearing, discussions centered on Senate Joint Resolution 27, which addresses potential amendments to state laws. Senator Birdwell from Granbury raised concerns about unintended consequences that could arise from the proposed changes. He specifically referenced a troubling case from Texas history involving the Yearning for Zion Ranch, a group linked to the fundamentalist LDS church.

In this case, the state intervened after discovering that young girls, some as young as 13, were being married to older men. Senator Birdwell emphasized the importance of ensuring that the state retains the ability to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, from such practices. He questioned First Liberty Institute's chief counsel, Jeremy Dice, about how the amendment could prevent the state from intervening in similar situations in the future.

Mr. Dice responded that under a strict scrutiny standard, the state would still have the authority to act in cases of potential harm. He noted that historical practices have not always safeguarded young girls from being married off, highlighting the varying ages of consent across different states. For instance, he pointed out that the age of consent in Texas was as low as 12 in the past.

The committee members recognized the need to address these specific concerns to avoid creating loopholes that could endanger minors. They discussed the importance of balancing religious freedoms with the protection of vulnerable populations. The conversation underscored the complexities involved in legislative amendments and the necessity of careful consideration to prevent unintended negative outcomes.