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Trans Texans face yet another attempt to ban them from bathrooms

August 22, 2025

In Texas, a contentious bathroom bill (Senate Bill 8/House Bill 52) that would block transgender people from using bathrooms matching their gender identity in schools and government buildings faced significant opposition during a House State Affairs Committee hearing. Dozens testified against the legislation, including transgender Texans, activists, and Travis County Constable Stacy Suits, who questioned the bill's necessity and practical enforcement. Following the hearing, approximately 50 protesters organized by the Gender Liberation Movement staged a sit-in at a Capitol bathroom to demonstrate their opposition to the bill, which has already passed the Senate and is expected to pass the House.

Who is affected

  • Transgender Texans who would be blocked from using bathrooms aligning with their gender identity in schools and government buildings
  • Transgender prisoners who would be prevented from being housed in accordance with their gender
  • Government officials and law enforcement (like Constable Stacy Suits) who would be tasked with enforcement
  • School administrators and staff who would need to implement and enforce the regulations
  • Women and girls, who some claim the bill is designed to protect

What action is being taken

  • Dozens of people are testifying against the bill in the House State Affairs Committee
  • Approximately 50 activists led by Gender Liberation Movement are staging a sit-in protest at a Capitol bathroom
  • The bill is moving through the legislative process, having already passed the Senate
  • The House is currently considering its counterpart, House Bill 52

Why it matters

  • The bill potentially violates the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act, which requires case-by-case placement of transgender inmates
  • Research shows 68% of transgender people report having been harassed in public bathrooms, suggesting the bill could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities
  • The legislation would impose significant financial penalties with a $5,000 fine for first offenses and $25,000 for second offenses
  • Critics compare the bathroom restrictions to historical segregationist policies
  • The bill represents continued legislative focus on transgender issues in Texas, with more than 16 similar proposals filed in the past decade

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th