Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation into law on Monday that will require transgender individuals to use bathrooms in certain public areas according to their sex assigned at birth or face substantial financial penalties. The bill first passed the Texas House by an 86-45 vote on Aug. 28.
When does the law go into effect?
The law applies to restrooms, locker rooms, shower facilities and changing rooms in government buildings, including public schools and colleges. It also directs the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to house inmates in correctional facilities cellblocks and dormitories according to an inmate’s sex assigned at birth.
Penalties for violations
Penalties for a violation of the law are $25,000 for first-time offenses and $125,000 for repeat offenders. Before an amendment to the bill, the fines were $5,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for subsequent violations.
How authorities will enforce the ban is reportedly unclear.
Under the law, there are exceptions for custodial and maintenance duties, those assisting individuals with disabilities and children under the age of 10 who enter the facility with a caretaker.
Republicans celebrate signing
Abbott promoted the new rules as “common sense” in a social media post on Monday.
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Nineteen states have laws restricting transgender individuals’ use of certain bathrooms that coincide with their gender identity, according to the Movement Advancement Project.
Other Republicans also celebrated the move.
“When it comes to the dignity, privacy and safety of Texas women and girls – there is no compromise,” state Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca said before the bill’s signing, according to KERA. “This is completely non-negotiable.”
Transgender advocates condemn measure
Opponents of the bill quickly condemned the law.
“By signing SB 8, Governor Abbott has cemented one of the most intrusive and discriminatory policies in Texas law,” Texas Freedom Network Political Director Rocio Fierro-Perez said in a statement. “This bill fuels stigma, harassment, and humiliation for transgender Texans, especially children, who are simply trying to go about their daily lives.”
Impact nationwide
According to the Movement Advancement Project, Texas will be among seven states that ban transgender people from using public restrooms in government buildings that coincide with their gender identity. Currently, 19 states have some form of public restroom restrictions in place for transgender individuals. Texas will become the 20th such state when the law goes into effect on Dec. 4.
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