The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee is set to hear testimony on SB 240, sponsored by Republican senators Mayes Middleton of Galveston and Kevin Sparks of Midland, at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 3, and Equality Texas is urging LGBTQ Texans and their allies to speak out against the measure through in-person testimony or emails or “dropping a card” to officially register your opposition.
SB 240 is intended to prevent transgender people from accessing public restrooms and other public spaces in government buildings, including public universities, public schools, public hospitals, convention centers and more, according to Equality Texas
“This bill would have major implications for the ability of transgender and gender-nonconforming people to be able to safely navigate daily life,” Equality Texas says. “Public restrooms should be open to all. That’s what ‘public’ means.”
If you will be in Austin and are able to testify in person against the bill during the hearing on Thursday, sign up online. Those opposing the measure can also email senators or drop a card to register opposition.
Individuals are also urged to register for Equality Texas’ Rapid Response Team to help the organization fight anti-LGBTQ efforts in the Texas Legislature.
— Tammye Nash