House Backs ‘Parental Rights’ Bill on Gender Identity Disclosure

The House of Representatives voted 217–198 along party lines to pass a bill denying federal funding to schools that withhold information from parents about a child’s gender identity and transition.

The Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act incorporates Chairman and Representative Tim Walberg’s (R-MI) PROTECT Kids Act and Rep. Burgess Owens’ (R-UT) Say No to Indoctrination Act. Both bills advanced through the Committee on Education and the Workforce in April, strengthening parental notification policies and limiting gender identity instruction in schools.

Rep. Walberg said that by not giving this information to parents, schools are actively leaving parents in the dark on what’s happening in the classroom. Families should receive all information relevant to their child’s well-being and development.

“Simply put, parents should never be the last to know—that’s not political, it’s common sense,” Rep. Walberg said. “Parents don’t lose their rights at the schoolhouse door. It’s time to restore transparency and put parents back in the driver’s seat.”

Shortly after votes came in, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) countered by arguing that the bill could threaten the children’s well-being by forcing teachers to “out” them to parents.

“The forced outing provision of this bill puts teachers in an impossible situation by requiring them to out trans kids to their parents in certain situations—even if the teacher knows the student will likely face physical abuse,” Rep. Takano said. “Students like these are who Republicans want to put in immediate physical danger with this bill.”

Rep. Christian Menefee (D-TX), although having just joined the Equality Caucus, agreed with Rep. Takano's sentiment, adding that this bill ignores some much greater issues across the country and in Texas.

“At a time when Republicans are obsessed with attacking LGBTQIA+ communities, they continue to ignore the affordability crisis hurting working families and instead use culture wars as a political distraction," Rep. Menefee said.

Just a few days ago, Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), with support from Reps. August Pfluger (R-TX) and Brian Babin (R-TX), introduced the Title IX Clarification Act to affirm the “simple truth” that there are only two genders.

Rep. Menefee said he will continue advocating for his LGBTQIA+ constituents and underrepresented communities in Texas.

"We must continue pushing back against hate and discrimination," Rep. Menefee said. "Everyone deserves the freedom to love who they love and live their authentic self."