To Lt. Governor Patrick:

We, the women of Texas, insist that you remove the “Women’s Privacy Act” from the legislative session. We women do not need protection from our trans sisters, they are our sisters in womanhood and mean us no harm. If you wish to continue to push through such openly bigoted legislation, then the women of Texas will not have it put forth in our name. Texas women will not allow you to sully us with your hatred. We implore you, take a step in the right direction, be on the right side of history. Kill this bill before it begins.

Violence against women committed by members of the trans community is statistically zero. This type of legislation flies in the face of the conservative movement for small government due to lack of factual basis for the need of it. Additionally, it reinforces the trans community as a target for hate and violence, which is already a scary reality for these members of our communities.

And if that argument isn't enough, there's the economic impact of such policy. 70% of North Carolinians believe their "Bathroom Bill" has had a negative impact on the state's reputation nationally. Businesses withdrew plans to expand in NC cities costing much needed potential jobs from the region.

The "Women's Privacy Act" may have arisen out of concern for public safety, but it is misguided, illogical legislation that needs to be rejected."

If the legislature is committed to protecting women and girls, we would suggest they instead alocate the funds to move through the 18,400 backlogged rape kits in Texas, address the nearly 200K reports of family violence, and offer services for the 24.3% of children in Texas living in poverty.

The People of Texas