By Alexa Ura, The Texas Tribune May 26, 2017 Editor’s note: This story has been updated throughout. The Texas Legislature appears to be at a stalemate on a “bathroom bill” that could push the legislative session into overtime. Refusing to go any further to regulate bathroom use for transgender Texans, House Speaker Joe Straus said…
Texas House approves bathroom restrictions for transgender students
By Alexa Ura, The Texas Tribune May 21, 2017 Editor’s note: This story has been updated throughout. Amid threats of a special legislative session over the “bathroom bill,” the Texas House on Sunday took a last-minute vote to approve a proposal that would keep transgender students from using school bathrooms that match their gender identity.…
Trans Bathroom Issues Dominated Dripping Springs School Board Election
The days leading up to the normally quiet school board election in Dripping Springs, Texas erupted into a heated battle over transgender bathroom use with one candidate saying he opposed trans students using the bathroom that matches their gender identity. Three candidates were vying in the May 6 election for two seats on the Dripping…
Lawmakers Engaged in ‘Unprecedented Effort’ to Roll Back Civil Rights For LGBTQ Texans
Originally published in the San Antonio Current. On Tuesday, the Texas House could debate and vote on a bill that would give state-funded adoption agencies the “religious freedom” to turn away LGBTQ parents. Other measures waiting for approval by Texas lawmakers would let county clerks deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples if doing so conflicts…
“Bathroom Bill” in House Misses Key Deadline — But Issue Stays Alive
By Alexa Ura, The Texas Tribune May 8, 2017 A proposal to gut cities and school districts’ trans-inclusive bathroom policies did not advance in the House ahead of a crucial deadline, nixing the measure’s chances of getting a vote by the full chamber. But that doesn’t mean that the issue itself is dead. Up against…
Study Examines Impact of Discrimination on LGBT Texans
A recently released study by the Williams Institute finds that Texas laws and social climate contribute to an environment where LGBT adults experience stigma and discrimination in employment and other aspects of their life. Affected too are LGBT youth who are bullied in schools and rejected by their families. The study, The Impact of Stigma…
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Supports “House Companion” to “Bathroom Bill”
By Patrick Svitek, The Texas Tribune April 28, 2017 HOUSTON — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick expressed support Friday for “a House companion” to the Texas Senate’s “bathroom bill” that has been one of his biggest priorities this session. “Senate Bill 6 — or a House companion — we need to pass,” Patrick said during remarks…
Texas Gov. Abbott Signals Support for “Bathroom Bill” from Texas House
By Patrick Svitek, The Texas Tribune April 18, 2017 Gov. Greg Abbott is signaling support for House legislation that some hope will serve as an alternative to the Senate’s “bathroom bill.” In a statement Tuesday, Abbott called the House alternative developed by state Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, a “thoughtful proposal.” The revised version of Simmons’…
New Study Renews Fears About Texas Bathroom Bill’s Financial Impacts
By Alexa Ura, The Texas Tribune April 17, 2017 In the aftermath of one troubled study on the economic impact of a “bathroom bill” in Texas, San Antonio tourism officials are returning to the legislative debate with another dire financial outlook. Legislation viewed by many as discriminatory toward LGBT Texans — including proposals to regulate…
Trinity University Coaches, Athletes Sign Letter Opposing Anti-Trans Bill
Originally published in the San Antonio Current. More than 55 members of the Athlete Ally community have signed an open letter that was published on March 16 in opposition of Senate Bill 6, Texas’ anti-transgender bill. Signatures by Trinity University coaches and San Antonio residents Aly Lilley, Julie Jenkins, Gretchen Rush and Tracy Shoemake, as…