NEW YORK – GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, today released the following background information on the five anti-transgender bills that were filed last week to kick off Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s “special discrimination session” at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Gov. Abbott called for a special session of the Texas state legislature largely to pass legislation that openly targets and discriminates against transgender Texans. The debate is already having a grave effect on the state’s economy and goes against a recent survey which shows a majority of Texans oppose Gov. Abbott’s discriminatory agenda.

These bills are currently being debated and will be voted on before the “special discrimination session” ends next month. SB 3 is expected to be voted on by the full Texas Senate this week. Last week, GLAAD launched its Texas Hold’em petition, urging Texans to add their voice in opposition to Gov. Abbott’s anti-trans agenda. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Anti-Trans Bills Filed During Gov. Abbott’s “Special Discrimination Session”

• Senate Bill 3 by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst: Would require access to restrooms, changing facilities, and participation in athletics to be designated based only on one’s birth certificate and prohibits political subdivisions from adopting or enforcing any ordinances of policies to protect transgender or gender non-conforming people regarding these fields.
• Senate Bill 91 by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst: Almost identical to SB 3; this bill would also require access to restrooms, changing facilities, and participation in athletics to be designated based only on one’s birth certificate and prohibits political subdivisions from adopting enforcing of any ordinances of policies to protect transgender or gender non-conforming people regarding these fields.
• Senate Bill 23 by Sen. Bob Hall: A sweeping statewide preemption bill which would block the adoption and enforcement of non-discrimination laws or ordinances on any basis not currently protected by state law. This will be effectively void current non-discrimination ordinances protecting millions of Texans in cities including Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio.
• House Bill 46 by Rep. Ron Simmons: Would bar all municipalities, counties, school districts, and state college and universities, from adoption and enforcement of any ordinances of policies to protect transgender or gender non-conforming people in bathrooms or changing facilities.
• House Bill 50 by Rep. Ron Simmons: Would bar school districts from the adoption and enforcement of any policies to protect transgender or gender non-conforming students in bathrooms or changing facilities.

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