HB2 Style Bill Would Devastate Transgender Texans, and the Texas Economy

RepublicanÂ Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick,Â and far right wing extremists like anti-LGBT activist Jonathan Saenz are pushing wholly unnecessary legislation that would ban transgender people in Texas from using public, government-owned restrooms and other facilities that conform to their gender identity.Â

Crowd here at SB3 rally is breaking into constant chants of “let the House vote” #txlege pic.twitter.com/NztBRSycs9 â€” Allie Morris (@MorrisReports) August 3, 2017

Civil Rights Movement leader Rev. Bill Owens says: “I didn’t march for Civil Rights to allow men to enter women’s bathrooms.” #txlege pic.twitter.com/vvv3NZ95Hw â€” Jonathan Saenz (@jonathansaenzTX) August 3, 2017

On Thursday about 100 to 150 conservative Christians joined together, praying, chanting, and marching in support of SB3, an anti-transgenderÂ “bathroom bill” that echoes portions of North Carolina’s HB2.

Ruth James displays homemade sign citing Rosa Parks at bathroom bill rally today #txlege pic.twitter.com/nCjH098iS3 â€” Allie Morris (@MorrisReports) August 3, 2017

Procession up to the south steps #txlege pic.twitter.com/Y18RqDhZuT â€” Chuck Lindell (@chucklindell) August 3, 2017

“SB3 mandates HB2-style anti-transgender discrimination in any multiple-occupancy restroom or locker room in any property owned by a city, county, school district, or other political subdivision,” HRC noted last month when it passed the state Senate. “Additionally, it would overturn LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances protecting millions of people across Texas in cities including Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth insofar as those ordinances protect people from discrimination in bathrooms. It also prohibits these entities from forbidding discrimination in athletics on the basis of any characteristic not currently reflected in state law — an obvious jab at transgender athletes.”

Faith leaders supporting privacy n bathrooms attempt to meet w/ Rep Byron Cook; Rep Cook’s door locked. Group says #LetTheHouseVote #txlege pic.twitter.com/Sg1k2PSZpQ â€” Jonathan Saenz (@jonathansaenzTX) August 3, 2017

RepublicanÂ StateÂ Sen. Lois Kolkhorstâ€, the sponsor of SB3, and a sponsor of the failed SB6 before it, was on hand Thursday to support protestors:

Proud to stand w/ a diverse group of faith & community leaders to protect women’s & children’s privacy! #DaughtersOverDollars #txlege pic.twitter.com/evTUUktfpA â€” Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (@loiskolkhorst) August 3, 2017

Sen. @loiskolkhorst says some say this bill isn’t needed but asks then why are some schools and cities making their own policies pic.twitter.com/0rFauWMTfa â€” Ashley Goudeau (@AshleyG_KVUE) August 3, 2017

Sen. Kolkhorst appears to be using the bill for political gain.Â House Speaker Joe Straus, a Republican, is blocking SB3, according toÂ NPR. ButÂ Kolkhorst hasn’t even asked him why:

Sen. Kolkhorst said she hasn’t spoken to the House Speaker about whether SB3 will see movement “our paths have not crossed” #txlege â€” Allie Morris (@MorrisReports) August 3, 2017

Also on hand were members of the far right wing Texas Pastors Council, the anti-gay hate group,Â Family Research Council,Â Vision America Action, and Texas Right to Life, according to GLAAD. “If an anti-trans bill like SB 3Â is signedÂ into law, it could drain aboutÂ $3 billionÂ from the stateâ€™s economy while also putting the safety of transgender Texans in jeopardy,” GLAAD reports.

Randy Wilson of the Family Research Council in from DC to support Texas #bathroombill #txlege pic.twitter.com/Gm3WEPrxHz â€” Jeremy Wallace (@JeremySWallace) August 3, 2017

Protestors, demanding the House vote and pass SB3, rallied outside the Texas state legislature.

Sen. Lois Kolkhorst: I am not afraid to profess the Lord God saw it this way. #txlege pic.twitter.com/pjXIo8hc8O â€” Chuck Lindell (@chucklindell) August 3, 2017

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