AUSTIN — A coalition of civil and religious liberties organizations, sexual assault experts, and faith leaders joined today with parents and transgender Texans at a Capitol press conference to oppose SB 6 and any other legislation targeting LGBTQ people for discrimination.
SB 6 would discriminate against transgender Texans in schools, universities and other government buildings — barring them from using public restrooms that align with their gender identity. It is one of at least a dozen bills that would excuse or even require discrimination against LGBTQ Texans in numerous ways.
Speakers today criticized the lieutenant governor specifically for targeting innocent transgender children who are already among the most bullied and harassed and more at risk of suicide.
Two Texas moms warned that forcing transgender children like theirs to go to the bathroom based on their birth certificate will put their lives in danger.
“Like every other parent here, I just want the best for my Libby,” said Rachel Gonzales of Dallas, talking about her 6-year-old transgender daughter. "I want her to go to school every single day feeling safe and loved. But SB 6 is about hurting transgender Texans — and transgender kids. It’s not only a totally unnecessary bill, it’s a dangerous bill.”
“I think our kids need to be treated fairly,” said Chelsa Morrison of Grapevine, the mother of an 8-year-old transgender daughter. “I think our kids need to be protected from discrimination, and I'm here today to make sure my child is protected under the law. We are not fighting about bathrooms. We are fighting for our children’s lives. I urge you to listen to my story and the stories of so many other parents here today. Listen to our educators opposing this bill, and listen to the businesses warning you it’s bad for Texas.”
Legislation like SB 6 puts a divisive political agenda ahead of people who really need protection, said the Rev. S. David Wynn, lead pastor of Agape Metropolitan Community Church in Fort Worth.
“When transgender women, children and men go into the public restroom that is congruent with their gender identity, they are the most vulnerable person in that facility,” Rev. Wynn said. "They are already targets for bullying, shaming and violence. They are the ones who need protection, and shame on politicians for creating unfounded and misdirected conflict, hysteria and hate for this already overly targeted group. With all due respect, in my faith tradition, we call that sin."
These and other speakers voiced their concerns at a press conference outside the hearing room where the Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony on the bill. The press conference was sponsored by a coalition of organizations: the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas, Equality Texas, Human Rights Campaign, the Transgender Education Education Network of Texas, the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault and the Texas Freedom Network.
“I’m inspired by the courage of these parents and kids to speak so passionately and publicly against some lawmakers’ attempts to drive them out of public spaces and public life,” said Terri Burke, executive director of the ACLU of Texas. “These children, their families and their supporters represent Texas it its best, a warm and welcoming state where we stand up for ourselves and for each other. SB 6, on the other hand, exploits baseless fears to humiliate and ostracize some of the most vulnerable among us, and it’s hard to imagine anything less Texan than that.”
“It is the responsibility of all of us to educate ourselves so these false attacks can be exposed for what they are, a solution where there is no problem to perpetuate discrimination against LGBTQ Texans,” said Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas. “Lt. Governor Patrick appeals to the worst chapters of our history in which discrimination runs rampant and understanding and compassion are absent. Transgender students, like transgender adults, don’t want to cause any problems. They simply want to use the bathroom when the need arises. This bill threatens our children and risks the same economic backlash that has cost North Carolina jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars."
Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization working solely to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.
The Texas Freedom Network is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization of religious and community leaders who support religious freedom and individual liberties.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
TheAmerican Civil Liberties Union of Texas is a guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, the Legislature and Texas communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution.
The Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT) is an organization dedicated to furthering the gender diverse equity in the State of Texas. We work to accomplish this through education and networking in both public and private forums. Through our efforts we strive to halt discrimination through social, legal, legislative and corporate education.
