Today, Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst filed legislation to protect privacy, safety and dignity in bathrooms, locker rooms, and other intimate facilities in all government buildings, including public schools. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Sen. Kolkhorst held a press conference this afternoon announcing the legislation.

The Texas Privacy Act, SB 6, does not apply to private businesses. The bill makes it clear that government entities may not allow biological men and boys in girls bathrooms and changing facilities. Government officials are to follow the sex listed on a person’s birth certificate, as is the practice now for UIL athletics. Senator Lois Kolkhorst played college athletics at TCU. Another Texas Senator, Jose Rodriguez, already filed a different bill (SB 165) that would actually force private businesses in Texas  to allow men into girls bathrooms.

Nicole Hudgens, Policy Analyst for Texas Values Action released the following statement:

“The State of Texas has a duty to protect the privacy, safety, and dignity of all Texans- especially in government buildings. This law ensures common sense—men and boys should not be in girls’ locker rooms and bathrooms. Since some local governments and school boards in Texas continue to push for allowing boys and men into girls bathrooms, we need a state law to have basic, consistent and transparent standards on this important issue across the state. ”

Houston is a prime example of how Texans overwhelmingly reject the policy of allowing men into women’s restrooms:

November 4, 2015- Houston, TX: In a historic vote of 61%-39%, Houston voters said “no” to a dangerous bathroom ordinance that allowed men to use women’s bathroom and locker rooms.

April 2-4, 2016: Just 5 months after the City of Houston voted down the dangerous bathroom ordinance, the city hosted the NCAA Final Four and set records for attendance and viewing. Houston in hosting the Super Bowl in next month.

About Texas Values Action

Texas Values Action is the 501(c)(4) advocacy arm of Texas Values, a non-profit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at txvaluesaction.org.