Following two unsuccessful attempts that were hindered by parliamentary maneuvers, the Texas House passed a proposal that would prohibit gender transitioning treatments for minors in Texas.
The Texas House of Senate voted favorably on Senate Bill 14 on its second reading. To be formally approved, the bill still needs to pass a third reading. The third reading is scheduled for Monday, as indicated by the Texas House’s supplemental calendar.
Last week, Texas House Democrats twice successfully objected to SB 14, preventing the Republican-supported legislation from passing after the initial vote was stalled due to the demonstration of those opposed to it in the chamber’s gallery.
On Friday morning, members of the LGBTQ community marched to the Capitol to voice their objections to SB 14, arguing that the bill would cause immense damage to transgender kids and take away the decision-making rights of their parents and guardians. The proposed law would bar transgender youth from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transition.
At prior legislative meetings on the bills, some healthcare organizations and suppliers stated that this care can be essential for their psychological well-being. Individuals who are already getting these treatments for gender-affirming reasons would have to be taken off in a “medically suitable” manner.
The proposed legislation would bar transition-related treatments, even though such procedures are uncommon among children, according to a Politifact investigation. People who support the bill have worries that parents could be allowing their kids to make major decisions while they are still young. The Senate has already approved the bill, and Republican leaders in the House are confident that it has widespread backing from the Republican majority in the House.
On Friday, the House State Affairs Committee voted 9-4 to move Senate Bill 12 forward, which would prohibit drag acts from being viewed by minors in Texas. The bill had been modified earlier in the week to take away wording that focused on drag performers. Opponents argued that the language in the bill was open to interpretation and could be used to prohibit performances such as the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, given that it outlawed “certain sexually-oriented performances on public property…in the presence of a child.”
Likely Litigation on SB 14
Organizations that are for and against the proposed law are getting ready for potential legal disputes in case the governor approves SB 14.
Rocio Fierro Perez, a representative of the Texas Freedom Network, asserted that they are collaborating with their legal partners, such as the ACLU. She stressed that, despite any government obstacles, they will remain in “joyful resistance” and continue to stand up for children and the state of Texas.
Matt Sharp, the highest lawyer for Alliance Defending Freedom, declared that states are lawfully able to pass laws similar to SB 14. Alliance Defending Freedom is a partner in litigation proceedings in states such as Alabama and Arkansas.
Sharp asserted that states have the jurisdiction to monitor doctors and determine which procedures may potentially be detrimental and without sufficient scientific support. Furthermore, he added that it is the responsibility of the state to protect minors from such procedures by enacting laws that promote this objective.
