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For Immediate Release: Equality Texas CEO Chuck Smith Responds to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s Threats to Texas Lawmakers
Posted on May 17, 2017 at 6:21 pm
 Contact: DeAnne Cuellar, deanne.cuellar@equalitytexas.org
TEXAS – The lt. governor threw a temper tantrum today threatening a special session he has no authority to call that will cost the state millions of dollars, put the funding of agencies at risk and hurt everyday Texans- so he can get one bill passed that discriminates against an already bullied group of kids, transgender children. Being transgender in Texas is hard enough without having to face public threats from the lt. governor.
This grand-standing and false rhetoric is dangerous and will destroy our state. Business leaders large and small from all over the United States, faith leaders of all different religions from every single state, and transgender people and their family members say our communities are strengthened when no one faces discrimination.
Discriminatory bills targeting transgender Texans could cost the state of Texas more than $5 billion dollars if we choose a path that encourages and legalizes discrimination. Protecting everyone living in our state from discrimination is a Texas value. The lt. governor needs to stop these public threats against an already marginalized and vulnerable population and stop wasting time during the 85th legislative session.
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