The Texas Tribune reports:
For the third time this year, a committee of state lawmakers will consider measures to restrict bathroom use for transgender residents in what’s expected to be an hours-long hearing Friday that could draw out hundreds of Texans to testify.
On the Senate State Affairs Committee’s agenda are Senate Bill 3 and Senate Bill 91 — both of which would restrict bathroom use in government buildings and public schools based on the sex listed on a person’s birth certificate. Such restrictions would keep most transgender men, women and children from using bathrooms that match their gender identity.
The proposals — both authored by Republican state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (above left) of Brenham — would also gut parts of local nondiscrimination ordinances meant to allow transgender residents to use public bathrooms of their choice. Similar proposals have been filed in the House but their fates remain uncertain.
AND WE’RE OFF: Senate hearing on two bathroom bills has gaveled in. Hundreds expected to testify. #txlege #lgbt pic.twitter.com/2Fk6xLl3bW
— Lauren McGaughy (@lmcgaughy) July 21, 2017
There’s a reason that businesses oppose proposals like this that target #LGBT people for discrimination. #OneTX #TXLege #YallMeansAll pic.twitter.com/luuzHu4jjd
— Out & Equal (@OutandEqual) July 21, 2017
Registration to testify closes at noon. If you’re in line at noon, you can testify, Chair @joanhuffman announces. #txlege
— Chuck Lindell (@chucklindell) July 21, 2017