The Targeting Of Trans Texans Continues
As its written, HB 229 would have a sweeping impact on over 100,000 trans Texans.
As the Texas legislature enters the final sprint toward Sine Die (the final day of the legislative session), the pace has kicked up on the House floor. And with that increased speed has come rising tensions, most prominently with legislation impacting trans Texans.
On Friday, LGBTQ+ activists and allies descended on the Capitol denouncing a bill, HB 229, which outlines a strict definition of man and woman based on reproductive organs. The debate on HB 229 started over the weekend after Republican Rep. Ellen Troxclair introduced the bill, titled the “Women’s Bill of Rights.”
Troxclair engaged in a heated exchange with Rep. Jessica González, who pointed out the very strict biological definition of men and women could impact a number of Texans, including women who identify as women but cannot get pregnant or breastfeed. Troxclair insisted that the bill was meant to address “what our biological systems are designed and organized to produce at birth.”
Repeatedly González asked Troxclair to directly identify how women are being erased in the state. Troxclair did not address the question but alluded to hypothetical situations. González was clearly frustrated, at one point telling Troxclair that the bill is overreach by the government to “erase [trans Texans] from existence.” But, she said trans Texans would always exist, no matter what bills are passed in the legislature.
Rep. Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos decried HB 229 as well, calling it “ideological talking points.” She also noted that the legislature could be advancing bills that would actually impact working families. On Saturday, HB 229 was given an initial approval.
A third reading of the bill happened on Monday. More amendments were also introduced, including one that would protect the sensitive data of Texans.
As its written, the bill would have a sweeping impact on over 100,000 trans Texans. Many trans Texans have spent an inordinate amount of time and energy to obtain documents, like passports or driver’s licenses, with their preferred gender. Now, the state of Texas is mandating that every person is defined by the sex determined at birth.
Over the past few years Texas Republicans have been in overdrive passing anti-LGBTQ legislation, especially those that restrict or threaten the trans community. Two years ago, a slew of anti-trans bills passed in Texas, including a restriction against gender-affirming care for any trans Texan under the age of eighteen.
Given the anti-trans fervor of the state, it’s easy to forget that just eight years ago such an environment didn’t exist. In 2017, Republicans in the Texas legislature attempted to pass a “bathroom bill,” which would have restricted local municipalities from protections for transgender Texans to use restrooms that match their gender identity.
The 2017 bill was a priority for Dan Patrick, but nevertheless the legislation died. While the pendulum for anti-LGBTQ laws has swung the other way, many Texans are hoping and working to ensure it moves back to an uplifting and welcoming direction.
