Bathroom Bill Tentatively Passes Texas Senate

After hours of back and forth debate, the Texas Senate tentatively approved Senate Bill 6 known as the Texas Bathroom Bill. Tuesday's vote was 21-10 in favor of Senate Bill 6 which was a priority piece of legislation to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.

According to the Texas Tribune, a final vote in the Texas Senate could happen on Wednesday. If approved on the final vote, the legislation would head to the House where there isn't as much support as there was in the Senate. House Speaker Joe Straus has previously said that it wasn't a priority of his.

S.B. 6 was supported by conservative Republicans but opposed by Democrats and different interest groups. The Texas Association of Business opposed the legislation and responded via press release to the bill's passage.

AUSTIN, TEXAS—The following statement from Keep Texas Open for Business in reaction to the Senate’s approval of SB 6 should be attributed to Chris Wallace, President of the Texas Association of Business:

“We’re disappointed the Texas Senate would choose to pass discriminatory legislation like Senate Bill 6, despite clear indications that its passage will have an economic impact in Texas. TAB remains committed to fighting and defending the Texas economy against bills that discriminate and run counter to Texas values.

“Our members believe everyone deserves to be treated fairly and equally, and we have heard what they know- equity and non-discrimination is a twenty-first century economic imperative. Senate Bill 6 is simply not worth the risk, and it will do nothing to improve personal safety.

“Given the overwhelming economic evidence, and the clear rejection of the public safety argument from Texas law enforcement, Senate Bill 6 is a solution in search of a problem, and we hope that the Texas House will strongly reject this measure.”

The NFL and NCAA are reportedly watching to see what the state does with S.B. 6 and numerous musicians have signaled their opposition to the legislation.

Senate Bill 6 would require people to use the bathroom that corresponds with the gender listed on their birth certificate in schools and public/government buildings. It would allow private businesses to set their own rules for bathroom use.