Contact:

Angela Hale | angela.hale@equalitytexas.org

Kara Watkins-Chow | kara.watkinschow@berlinrosen.com

SB 2, TEXAS’ SPORTS BAN TARGETING TRANSGENDER CHILDREN, IS DEAD — BUT POLITICAL ATTACKS ON LGBTQ+ PEOPLE ARE FAR FROM OVER 

AUSTIN (September 03, 2021) – Yesterday, SB 2, an anti-transgender sports ban targeting young children, died pending in committee as the Texas House adjourned Sine Die. Equality Texas, the largest statewide organization solely dedicated to securing full equality for LGBTQ+ Texans, responded to the defeat of the bill: 

“This is a bittersweet moment. Our community can breathe a temporary sigh of relief,” said Ricardo Martinez (he/him), Chief Executive Officer of Equality Texas. “LGBTQ+ people do not deserve to live under the constant threat of a new political attack. This year alone, LGBTQ+ Texans have been subjected to over 60 legislative attacks on their health, safety and humanity between regular session bills, special session bills and amendments. I’m so grateful and proud of all of our advocates who are on the frontlines of so many tough fights and who were pushed to their limits by politicians’ contempt, lack of compassion, and willingness to overlook harm to our community for political aspirations.

“The damage SB 2 and similar bills have already inflicted is palpable—it is evident in the faces of children and families who are traumatized after a grueling second special legislative session, so much so that some of them have left the state to protect their families. But the worst of politics also brings out the best in our communities. I’ve watched colleagues, friends, and organizers fighting reprehensible attacks on communities of color, historically accurate education, abortion rights, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ rights, and I’m floored by their tenacity, courage and passion to show up time and time again. These nine months have drained the selfless spirits of those who fight so valiantly to defend equality. But our work against the extreme anti-LGBTQ+ politics in Texas continues.

“I hope every Texan will join me in calling on our elected leaders to take further action to build a state where all transgender and LGBTQ+ kids can grow to reach their full potential instead of continuing to target and harm innocent children.”

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Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.