Civil Rights Laws in Texas.

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, age (40+), and (as protected military status). Applies to employers with 15+ employees. Administered by TWC Civil Rights Division.

Prohibits housing discrimination based on protected classes. Administered by TWC Civil Rights Division.

Texas has NOT added sexual orientation or gender identity as explicit protected classes under state law. Federal Title VII sex discrimination (as extended in Bostock v. Clayton County, 2020) provides federal protection.

Provides strict-scrutiny protection for religious exercise. State may not substantially burden religious exercise without compelling interest and least restrictive means.

Texas enacted SB 4 in 2023/2024 creating state-level immigration enforcement provisions (subject to federal litigation and preliminary injunctions). Federal preemption issues active as of 2026.