Texas legislature

For the third time this year, Gov. Abbott and Texas Republicans will once again try to push forward their agenda, while many Democrats refuse to attend, and taxpayers foot the bill every day.

Proposals submitted include bans on trans youth from receiving healthcare, talk therapy, or playing sports. Several Democrats have refused to take part and face threats of being arrested.

“The bill that was killed last night will affect far more children than this bill ever will,” Harold Dutton claimed about his education bill. “And so, as a consequence, the chair moves that Senate Bill 29… do pass and be printed.”

“We can’t look at this as being a partisan or political issue — it’s a human issue.”

Our hero of the week is part of the state legislature’s five-women LGBTQ Caucus.

Under Texas law, if a university has a queer resource center for students, it also has to have a Family and Traditional Values Centers that’s equally funded.

The law would also allow adoption agencies to reject prospective gay parents for “religious” reasons.

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus’ comments underscore an escalating ideological battle between the GOP’s business-minded base and far-right grassroots activists.

If Texas passes Senate Bill 6 they should expect boycotts like North Carolina has seen over HB2, which has cost the state millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs.