Press contact: Johnathan Gooch, [email protected], (512) 922-4040
Austin, TX – Today House Bill 1738 passed a major landmark in the Texas House. House Bill 1738 would update Texas Law to follow 2003 US Supreme Court precedent in Lawrence v. Texas, which overturned the Texas law banning private, same-sex relationships. Legislation to repeal this law has been filed every session since 2005. After being on the books for decades after being unenforceable, even conservatives like Ted Cruz have called for its repeal.
The final vote for second reading was 72 ayes, 55 nays, 5 present not voting. Under Texas House procedure, the bill must have a 3rd reading and another vote before passing over to the Texas Senate. Third reading of HB1738 is expected to be scheduled soon.
This vote comes at a time when transgender Texans are increasingly targeted by Texas lawmakers. In total, the Texas Legislature has filed more than 200 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills—more than any other state at any other time in history. While this bill erases an unenforceable law from the books, LGBTQIA+ Texans still lack statewide legal protections, which 71% of Texans support.
Statement from Brad Pritchett, Interim CEO of Equality Texas:
“When people hear the phrase ‘gay rights’ I think that can be confusing, because this is literally all we want—the privacy to live our lives in peace. While the law that the House voted to strike from the books has been illegal for over two decades, today’s victory is no small feat. The passage of this bill in the House is a testament to the drive, dedication and bi-partisan determination of State Representative Venton Jones. We know that when we work together, we can make life better for all Texans. I hope other Texas lawmakers will have the courage to follow Venton Jones’ lead and work toward progress together.”
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Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.