AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 5, by Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola:

“Freedom of speech is a God-given right, and protecting that right is a top priority for Texans. We cannot allow social media platforms – the modern-day town square – to censor the views of Texans.

“Texans, regardless of their ideology or message, have the right to take part in digital debates. Senate Bill 5 ensures that social media companies will not be able to deny Texans their right to free speech or discriminate against them because of their point of view. I thank Sen. Hughes for his leadership on this legislation to protect our fundamental rights.”

“Final passage of this bill into law will require the House Democrats who have fled the state to return to the House for a quorum. If they do not, this bill will die, but the Senate will pass Senate Bill 5 over and over until the House finally has a quorum.”