Judge rules Williamson County officials violated Fourteenth Amendment
During an interview for constable, Williamson County commissioners asked Robert Lloyd illegal questions about his opinion on abortion, same-sex marriage and religious affiliation.
On Friday Judge David Ezra ruled these questions violated the Fourteenth Amendment. Along with the ruling came a permanent injunction that prevents Williamson County officials from asking these questions to constable candidates.
"I am very pleased with the outcome. I spent several years of my life involved with this litigation so that no one else would be subject to these illegal practices. On Friday, it finally paid off. I hope Judge Ezra's ruling sends a message to Williamson County officials that they can't impose their beliefs and values on others," Robert Lloyd said in a statement from the Texas Civil Rights Project.
Staff Attorney Cassandra Champion is hopeful this ruling sets a standard for all elected officials.
“This decision affirms that constitutional values still apply in our state. The County Commissioners deprived Mr. Lloyd of his right to equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment for not hiring him for expressing his beliefs.”