We’ve got our own Peegate in Texas, but it has nothing to do with Russians or the CIA.
It likely hasn’t escaped your notice that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is VERY CONCERNED about where the good people of Texas are allowed to pee. To that end, SB 6 is one of his top 25 legislative priorities and part of his radical Tea Party agenda. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham, is commonly known as the “bathroom bill.”
As is often typical of lawmaking in Texas, SB 6 is a solution in search of a problem, and one that very cruelly targets transgender people. It also has a very intense focus on school districts, and would fine them up to $10,500 (!) for every day they allow a transgender student to use the restroom consistent with his or her gender identity.
“The only people…who oppose this bill are Anglo liberals, and many of them work in the media.” – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
If you’re mad as hell about this bill, today might be a good day to call the Lt. Gov.’s office and make your voice heard.
Here’s a sample script you can use:
“Hi, I’m calling to voice my concerns about SB 6. I do not support this bill, which very intentionally discriminates against transgender people, and undermines local control of cities, school districts, and other public entities. The economic repercussions also make this bill an extremely unfavorable one. Thank you.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s office: 512-463-0001
Sen. Lois Kolkhorst’s office: 512-463-0118
UPDATE: Last week Patrick’s office said they were tallying calls for/against, and apparently they still are.
More background
Today in his conversation with the Texas Tribune‘s Evan Smith, Patrick suggested that there isn’t an epidemic of “men in ladies’ bathrooms,” but that liberals picked this fight with Republicans by enacting policies or ordinances that explicitly protect the rights of transgender people. I’ll note that he misspoke more than once, saying “support” instead of “oppose” in several exchanges. I’m not sure what exactly that means, but it happened.
Furthermore, he said, “The only people…who oppose this bill are Anglo liberals, and many of them work in the media.” Today let’s show the Lt. Gov. that’s not true.
You can watch the conversation at the Texas Tribune’s site here. The “bathroom bill” conversation starts at approximately 33:31.
More resources:
Following North Carolina’s lead, Texas GOP unveils so-called “bathroom bill” (Texas Tribune)
Texas Moves to Limit Transgender Bathroom Access (New York Times)
Shortall: Texas will pay for ‘bathroom bill’ (Houston Chronicle, op-ed)
The Economic Impact of Discriminatory Legislation on the State of Texas (Texas Association of Business, PDF)
Called Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s office and the staffer told me they are currently taking a tally of people calling about the bill.
Great! We knew they were tallying last week, glad they still are. I’ll update the post.