Schaefer Sounds Off on Anti-LGBT Bill

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – A backlash over Texas’ efforts to adopt anti-LGBT bathroom laws has begun, and an East Texas lawmaker is weighing in. A best-selling author is snubbing lawmakers, and Dallas civic leaders are warning major sporting events could go elsewhere. State Representative Matt Schaefer of Tyler fired back with a proposal to restrict lawmakers and others in the Texas capitol to using public bathrooms according to their “biological sex.” Texas is among several states where GOP leaders want people to be required to use restrooms that correspond with the gender on their birth certificates.

Such a measure in North Carolina caused outrage in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and inspired corporate and NCAA boycotts. Rick Riordan, author of the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series, said in a tweet that he declined an honor from the Texas Legislature over “this nonsense.”