The Texas Senate has passed Senate Bill 7, a measure aimed at restricting access to women’s restrooms, locker rooms, and certain shelters based on biological sex. Filed by Sen. Mayes Middleton (R), the bill is part of a renewed push by Republican lawmakers to establish statewide rules around public facility access.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) released a statement following the vote, calling the bill a continuation of efforts he and Sen. Lois Kolkhorst began in 2017. That earlier legislation passed the Senate but did not advance through the House.
“Senate Bill 7... ensures Texas women have adequate privacy and will keep men out of women’s bathrooms, locker rooms, and family shelters,” Patrick said.
The bill mandates that individuals must use facilities in public schools and government buildings that correspond with their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender identity. Supporters argue it is a necessary measure to protect the privacy and safety of women and girls in sex-separated spaces.
Critics, including civil rights organizations and LGBTQ+ advocates, argue that such measures unfairly target transgender individuals and contribute to discrimination without addressing actual public safety issues.
Patrick criticized House Democrats in his statement, accusing them of being absent from their legislative responsibilities.
“The Texas Senate will continue passing this bill each legislative session… until House Democrats return from their ‘vacation’ and get back to work for the people of Texas,” he said.
Senate Bill 7 now heads to the Texas House for consideration. Its future remains uncertain amid ongoing political tensions and differing priorities between the two chambers.
