Transgender “Bathroom Ban” Legislation Again Dies in Texas Legislature

GLSEN Media Contact:

Cathy Renna Cathy@targetcue.com 917-757-6123

Transgender "Bathroom Ban" Legislation Again Dies In Texas Legislature

New York, NY (August 14, 2017) – GLSEN is releasing the following statement after a month long special session of the Texas legislature came to a close without passing a proposed “bathroom ban” law restricting access to restrooms and other school facilities by transgender people. The bill was one of the several contentious pieces of legislation that provoked Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to call the special session after the regular legislative session ended in May.

The following statement can be attributed to Nathan Smith, Director of Public Policy, GLSEN:

“GLSEN and our allies are relieved to see anti-trans legislation fail once again in Texas, but this was not an easy fight. And it is far from over. While transgender youth remain at risk and the target of discrimination and bullying, the failure of this bill shows progress is being made and we must continue to educate not only elected officials, but everyone about the lives of transgender people. As students return to school in a couple weeks, many transgender youth will face a new school year with uncertainty and fear after the painful public debate about banning bathroom access. GLSEN will be there to support them, their schools, their families and their communities.

“We are grateful for the work of organizations and companies for actively opposing this harmful legislation, and for the thousands of GLSEN educators, students, and families who helped stall this legislation through rallies, meetings, calls, and social activism. GLSEN is especially grateful to supportive families with transgender children and to the courageous transgender youth who spoke out and told their stories. Numerous organizations came together to hold back this hurtful legislation that would put transgender people at risk. We applaud their efforts and commit to standing together in the face of continued attempts to discriminate against LGBTQ students and create a hostile climate in schools and communities.”

“Unfortunately, while this particular legislation failed to advance, the Texas legislature did pass other discriminatory measures, including a voter suppression law, a law that targets undocumented immigrants, and two laws that further restrict a woman’s right to make personal medical decisions. GLSEN supports our partners and is committed to standing with them in our work ahead to create safe and inclusive schools and communities.

About GLSEN

GLSEN champions safe and inclusive schools for all students. We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach tens of thousands of K-12 schools across the United States, and our network of chapters brings GLSEN’s expertise to their local communities. GLSEN's progress and impact have won support for our work at all levels of education in the United States and sparked an international movement to ensure equality for LGBTQ students and respect for all in schools. For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, public education, research and educator training programs, please visit glsen.org