Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has signed into law a bill meant to protect private entities from punishment over actions they take due to their religious beliefs.

The bill, which was signed into law Monday, according to local news affiliate KVUE, came in response to efforts by the San Antonio City Council to block a Chick-fil-A location from opening in the San Antonio airport. Consequently, the bill has been dubbed the "Save-Chick-fil-A" bill, according to local news outlet KVUE.

Abbott himself signed the bill shortly after posting on social media a picture of him eating Chick-fil-A.

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Critics of the popular fast food chain argued that the owner's support for anti-gay groups and opposition to gay marriage should prohibit the chain from setting up a store in the airport.

The bill passed the Texas state legislature last month with wide support from Republicans.

It passed the Senate with an amendment from the House after a previous version in the state legislature was effectively killed by a Democratic lawmaker.

KVUE reports that the bill will go into effect on Sept. 1.