Texas Senate Moves Anti-Transgender Bill to Final Vote
Discriminatory and Likely Unconstitutional Bill Tentatively Passed by Texas State Senate
The Texas Senate Tuesday evening, after several hours of often poorly-informed debate, has tentatively passed SB6, by a vote of 21-10. One final vote, likely Wednesday, is required for the legislation to move to the House. Â
SB6 is a bill designed to ensure transgender people are unable to function equally and fully in society by banning them from using public facilities that correspond with their gender identity. Republican State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (photo) sponsored the bill, which would force transgender people to use restrooms and changing facilities of their biological sex. The legislation also prohibits towns, cities, and other localities from adopting transgender protections.
In a stunningly tone-deaf and false tweet, this is how Sen. Kolkhorst characterized today’s vote:
Today, the Texas Privacy Act passed the Senate to engrossment 21-10. We’re protecting the privacy, safety and dignity of all Texans. #SB6 pic.twitter.com/CWl8BRECQc
— Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (@loiskolkhorst) March 14, 2017
Debate by those in favor of the legislation included stunning remarks by state lawmakers who falsely claimed that if the bill were not enacted men could use women’s restrooms with no consequences, and others who claimed that they were supporting the bill not because of transgender people, but because of perverts who might enter restrooms with ill intent without it.
Sen @whitmire_john now up to question #SB6 Asks when did this become an issue for Kolkhorst, noting she’s been in lege for 18-years #txlege pic.twitter.com/IBIQfuOssi
— Ashley Goudeau (@AshleyG_KVUE) March 14, 2017Â
#sb6 author Kolkhorst: “It’s the vague policy of removing barriers that predators will take advantage of.” #txlege
— Chuck Lindell (@chucklindell) March 14, 2017
In other words, they were supporting the legislation but claimed it absolutely wasn’t about discriminating against trans people.
Now @loiskolkhorst claiming that banning trans people will make her safer as a woman. That demonizes trans people! #SB6
— Zack Ford (@ZackFord) March 14, 2017
Sen. Kolkhorst even admitted that the bill would actually not do anything to protect women, but it would, she claimed, make them feel safer.
Sen @loiskolkhorst says no one will be at bathroom doors checking birth certificates but #SB6 is about a “feeling” of security for women pic.twitter.com/3qnIjEsdpO
— Ashley Goudeau (@AshleyG_KVUE) March 14, 2017
Sen @JoseforTexas reading from @NCAA policy handbook on transgender athletes, asks Kolkhorst if she is aware #SB6 opposes it, she says yes pic.twitter.com/u5HaMcXnOO
— Ashley Goudeau (@AshleyG_KVUE) March 14, 2017
She also opposed an amendment that would recognize people by their gender identity, not their biological sex, as the bill is worded.
Shock! @loiskolkhorst opposes an amendment that recognizes people in accordance with their gender identity. #SB6 #txlege
— Zack Ford (@ZackFord) March 14, 2017
GOP senators: #SB6 isn’t discriminatory, anti-trans
Dems: Here’s an amendment that would ensure that
GOP senators: No thanks #txlege— John Wright (@lsqnews) March 14, 2017
But an amendment to ensure localities including school districts not be allowed to make transgender rights a prerequisite of doing business was passed, just in case it was not clear enough in the original text.
Overflow line of Texans standing together to #StopSB6, hateful & unnecessary TX “bathroom bill.” #YallMeansAll #ProtectTransKids #txlege pic.twitter.com/jJ6oI5XMxO
— Eddie Rodriguez (@EddieforTexas) March 7, 2017
Unsurprisingly, Democratic State Sen. José RodrÃguez’s bill, an omnibus LGBT nondiscrimination bill that he proposed as an amendment to SB6 was rejected, 21-10.
A transgender woman is a woman. #sb6 #txlege
— Sen. José RodrÃguez (@JoseforTexas) March 14, 2017
Sen. Kolkhorst actually claimed she is hoping as a result of this discriminatory and likely unconstitutional legislation tourism in Texas will increase.Â
This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.Â
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