A Texas Republican lawmaker has filed a bill that would criminalize transgender individuals who mislead the government or employers about their gender identity. House Bill 3817 would make it a state jail felony to falsely state one’s gender identity as their biological sex, carrying a penalty of up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine. This bill is among several proposals in the Legislature that could impact the state’s estimated transgender population of 120,000 people.
Another bill, filed by a GOP lawmaker, would expand a ban on gender-affirming care for minors to include adults. The bills have sparked controversy, with some arguing that they target vulnerable individuals and prevent them from accessing necessary medical care. LGBTQ advocacy groups have criticized the bills, stating that they show contempt towards transgender individuals.
Governor Greg Abbott has previously stated that Texas recognizes only two sexes, male and female, reaffirming this stance in a January letter to state agencies. The bills have drawn criticism from many who believe that lawmakers should be focused on more pressing issues, such as expanding Medicaid, rather than targeting transgender individuals. LGBTQ advocates have vowed to continue fighting for the dignity and respect of transgender individuals in Texas.
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