Paddie’s Bathroom Bill is Revived

AUSTIN (AP) — A transgender “bathroom bill” reminiscent of one in North Carolina that caused a national uproar now appears to be on a fast-track to becoming law in Texas, though it may only apply to public schools. Republican Representative Chris Paddie of Marshall authored the hotly-debated language, saying it had “absolutely no intent” to discriminate. Under it, transgender students would not be permitted to use their chosen bathroom but could be directed to separate, single-occupancy restrooms. “it’s absolutely about child safety,” said Paddie. “This is about accommodating all kids.”

The broader proposal is mandating that virtually all transgender people in the country’s second-largest state use public restrooms according to the gender on their birth certificates sailed through the Texas Senate months ago. A similar measure had stalled in the House, but supporters late Sunday night used an amendment to tack school bathroom limits onto a separate and otherwise unrelated bill covering campus emergency operation plans.

A small group of Democratic women legislators went into the men’s restroom just off the House floor before debate began in protest. With Republicans enjoying solid majorities in both of Texas’ legislative chambers, though, such opposition was purely symbolic.

Republican Governor Greg Abbott has said he wants to sign a bathroom bill into law. House Speaker Joe Straus, a Republican from San Antonio, has been even more vocal opposing one, saying it could hurt a Texas economy that has been among the country’s strongest in recent years.

Opponents vowed to fight Sunday’s Texas amendment with lawsuits. If the Legislature succeeds “in forcing discrimination into Texas law, you can bet that Lambda Legal will be on the case before the next school bell rings,” Jennifer C. Pizer, senior counsel and director of law and policy at the national gay rights group Lambda Legal, said in a statement.